Former ‘queen of the track’ Yvonne given job of developing athletics

Nov 20 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

FORMER trackstar Yvonne Murray has been appointed to a top job in North Lanarkshire.

The Olympic medallist, awarded an MBE for her sporting achievements, has taken up a new role as senior athletics development and events officer with North Lanarkshire Leisure.

And she will be responsible for nurturing athletes of the future as well as passing on her expertise to some of North Lanarkshire’s elite performers.

Councillor Jim McCabe, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “As an athlete, Yvonne was an inspirational figure and she will continue to inspire and support athletes in her new role; it’s great news for sport in this area.”

Yvonne was pleased with her appointment and is looking forward to continuing her work in athletics.

She said: “It’s a fantastic time to be involved in sport with the International Children’s Games coming to Lanarkshire, in 2011, as well as the 2012 Olympic Games in London and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“I’ll be working with children at grass roots level right through to elite level, helping them to achieve their ambitions within the sport.

“I’m also being tasked with arranging and bringing sporting events to North Lanarkshire. And I’ve already started work on encouraging other countries to use our facilities as Pre-Games training camps for the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in North Lanarkshire.”