The wait is over.
After months of hard work, unstoppable training and dedication, the Scottish judo team that will be competing for gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 has finally been announced.
The 'Fantastic 14' have been literally 'fighting' their way through the qualifying process to secure a spot on the national squad. The athletes selected have a balance of experience and youth with real chances for medals.
The team have 12 judokas making their debut at a Commonwealth Games. Sarah Clark, silver medallist in Manchester 2002, and John Buchanan, who is coming out of retirement at the age of 38, have already competed for Team Scotland and will be adding their experience to elevate the chances of podium.
Out of the 'Fantastic 14', five judokas are Olympians including Sarah Clark (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012), Euan Barton (Beijing 2008 and London 2012), James Austin (London 2012), Chris Sherringdon (London 2012) and Sally Conway (London 2012).
Douglas Bryce, CEO of Judo Scotland, the governing body for judo in Scotland, said: "I think that Glasgow 2014 provides opportunities for all those players selected. For the more mature players, the event gives the opportunity of performing with distinction in front of their friends and family at a home Games before potentially retiring. For our younger athletes, there is the opportunity of demonstrating their talent some two years out from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio at the second largest multi-sport event in the world."
Team Scotland Chef de Mission, Jon Doig added: "Judo was our most successful sport when it was last included in a Games programme and we have a strong line-up once again. The SECC Precinct will be one of the busiest venue clusters come Games time and the athletes we have announced today will most certainly be at the heart of the action."
The judo competition opens the Commonwealth Games on July 24.
Let me introduce you to the 'Fantastic 14':
Female Weight Category
Sarah Adlington +78kg
Sally Conway -70Kg
Sarah Clark -63Kg
Stephanie Inglis -57Kg
Connie Ramsay -57Kg
Kimberley Renicks -48Kg
Louise Renicks -52Kg
Male Weight Category
James Austin -100Kg
John Buchanan -60Kg
Andrew Burns -90Kg
Euan Burton -100Kg
Patrick Dawson -73Kg
Matthew Purssey -90Kg
Chris Sherrington +100Kg
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