Two weeks ago, Gus McInroy had 40,000 voices roaring on his every swing as he claimed 12th place in the Commonwealth Games discus final.
In front of a crowd of dozens in Kilmarnock yesterday, with rain and wind buffeting the Scottish Championships, the 27-year-old regained his national title in the face of unexpected opposition. Himself.
If athletics hoped to demonstrate a bounce from the Games, then the throwing circle was not the place to find compelling evidence. McInroy threw 50.74 metres to claim gold in a field of one, an admirable effort when he could have claimed victory by throwing through his legs or over his head.
"I've never had that before," he admitted. "There were seven entries but none of them showed up. I'd have loved Nick Percy to be there but he's moving to the States in a few weeks so I can't blame him for wanting more time with his family. It was hard going though. The circle was pretty flooded and I kept slipping. But I'll take the win."
Other members of Scotland's Commonwealth Games team were tested a little more. High jumper Rachael Mackenzie added the outdoor title to the indoor crown picked up last winter with a fine clearance of 1.75m when conditions were at their worst.
"I've surprised myself," she admitted. "It is difficult between jumps and there's a chance you rush things. I'd one attempt at 1.80m which wasn't too bad but there was no need to carry on."
Susan McKelvie emerged on top of the four-way battle for supremacy in the women's hammer with a best of 64.21m, pushing Rachel Hunter and Kimberley Reed into second and third.
Kathryn Christie recaptured her 100m title with the 200m to follow today. Emily Dudgeon and Katy Brown set up an intriguing meeting in the 800m final by coasting through their heats. Glasgow 2014 bronze medallist Mark Dry will attempt to retain his hammer title in the face of a challenge from Andy Frost and Chris Bennett.
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