PREPARATION for this summer’s Commonwealth Games could not be going much better for Isle of Wight discus thrower Nick Percy after he set a new Scottish record in the United States.
It is an achievement he has dedicated to his first coach, the legendary Ray Scovell, who died during the pandemic last year.
Glasgow-born Nick, based in Bonchurch, with his parents, will be representing Scotland in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, which starts on July 28.
As part of his preparation leading up the games, Nick has spent almost the last month on a sponsored training camp in California.
While out there, Nick competed in an invitational event — the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, part of the Nike USATF Golden Games Mt. SAC Relays, held at the Hilmer Lodge Stadium in Walnut, California.
Nick came fourth against some top international competition — beating the 2021 Olympic silver medallist and multiple Olympic finalists in the process — with a throw of 63.47m.
His throw broke his own Scottish national record, set six years ago.
Nick’s result has catapulted him up to 22nd in the world and 11th in the European rankings.
The Islander, who often uses the Fairway track and field facilities in Sandown as part of his training — more so during lockdown when there were travel restrictions — is hopeful he will be competing at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, and the European Championships in Munich, as well as the Commonwealth Games.
Following the event, Nick said: “This has to be one of the best results of my career. This prestigious event was full of Olympians and so to come away with fourth place and a record is incredible.”
The past couple of seasons have been difficult for Nick with Covid, but with restrictions lifting, Nick is hoping to travel to Europe over the next couple of months to throw even further and continue his climb up the world rankings.
Nick thanks the Isle of Wight Athletics Club and the Isle of Wight Council, under its talented athletes scheme, for all their help during the pandemic, as well as Wightlink for the help in meeting ferry costs to attend training and competitions on the mainland.
“Everyone who helped me on the Island has been instrumental in me achieving this result — especially my first-ever coach, Ray Scovell, who unfortunately left us during this pandemic.
“This one was for you Ray.”
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules here