Larkhall's Mhairi bids to be a splash hit

Jun 5 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

SWIMMER Mhairi Love can’t wait to take part in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing – because it will end four years of misery.

Mhairi (27), who is a former Larkhall resident currently living in Stirling, has been through injuries and illnesses which include fractured ribs, and is just delighted to be heading to China in September.

In April she set a new 400m personal best record of 6.01.10 and found out the following month that she has been selected as part of a 36-strong GB team for the games.

Former Blantyre ASC member Mhairi has since stepped up her training at the High Performance Centre at Stirling University, but insists she’s not going into the games with any definite expectations.

She said: “I was over the moon when I heard; all of the hard work over the last few years has paid off, and we head over there in September.

“The last time I was at the Paralympics was in Athens back in 2004 when I won two silver medals, but it has been really difficult with injuries and illnesses since.

“However, in April I got back into the pool and actually recorded my fastest time since Athens – I feel that in itself is some achievement.

“Probably the hardest part was not being able to get into a pool, because most of the injuries were rib-related – stress fractures and things like that.

“I wouldn’t want to go through all of that again, but it does make you more determined to strive for bigger and better things.”

Mhairi added: “It’s been a long journey for me in the last few years, and I’ve had such a tough time for so long, so I’m going to the Paralympics looking to do as well as I can.

“Disability swimming in the last four years has jumped quite significantly forward, so a fast time and a new personal best would be absolutely brilliant.

“If a medal comes with that then great, but if not I know I will have done everything I possibly could.”

Mum Catherine, who lives in Larkhall, said: “I am very proud of Mhairi – once again!

“She never stopped training since she was at Athens and Mhairi is the only Scottish female selected for swimming in the GB team.

“The whole family is so proud of her.”