Iain McLean claims bowls bronze at Commonwealth Games
Iain McLean sealed Scotland’s Commonwealth lawn bowls campaign in style, as he took bronze in the men’s singles.
McLean was one of the favourites for the title heading into the Games but lost in the semi-finals to eventual champion Aaron Wilson.
But the 38-year-old bounced back to claim a comfortable win against Malaysia’s Fairul Izwan Abd Muin to earn his first Commonwealth medal on his debut Games.
It marks the end of the lawn bowls in Birmingham, with Scotland finishing third in the medal table with two golds and two bronzes.
Rosemary Lenton and Pauline Wilson won gold in the para women’s pairs while it was also gold for Melanie Inness, George Miller, Robert Barr, and Sarah Jane Ewing in the para mixed pairs.
For McLean, there was satisfaction in bouncing back from defeat earlier in the day.
“It feels great,” said McLean. “It was a tough game earlier in the day to get over and come back out again.
“I’m delighted to play well in the bronze game and bag a medal.
“I took a lot of confidence from my games earlier in the week.
“I had a blip this morning, didn’t play well, but put it out my mind, remembered the good things that have happened during the week and concentrated on them.”
This summer, Team Scotland, supported by funding raised by National Lottery players, compromises of over 250 athletes, all vying for medal success.
It was a stacked field in the men’s singles, with defending champion Aaron Wilson once more taking gold.
McLean was the bookies’ favourite ahead of the Games but revealed he did not feel any extra pressure.
“It was a nice wee boost, it’s a shot in the arm,” said McLean. “It reflects what the punter, what the supporter believes.
“It’s a really tough competition and it proved that I’m just delighted to come through it all.”
On the final day of action in Leamington Spa, and as the evening drew on, McLean was still supported by a strong Scottish contingent in the crowd.
The Tartan Army have lit up Victoria Park with their exuberant support and endless supply of saltires, and McLean admitted it makes a difference.
“It’s been a great experience to play in front of that crowd, it’s right up there for me,” added McLean.
“It’s an English Games down here in Birmingham, but it’s not too far down the road and the travelling support has been fantastic.
“I came out and looked up and there’s a whole stand there wearing blue or waving blue flags.
“It’s a massive boost. When you see that, if you can’t get up for a game when people have committed and supported, there’s no point being here.”
National Lottery players raise more than £30 million a week for good causes including vital funding into sport – from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the hashtag: #TNLAthletes.
