Top Jedburgh running twosome savour the fame of the Games

Two top sportswomen from the same Borders town were among athletes honoured for their prowess in Highland Games gatherings in 2016.
Jazmine Tomlinson and Brodie Cowan both of Jedburgh, seated third and fourth left, among the SHGA award winners 2016Jazmine Tomlinson and Brodie Cowan both of Jedburgh, seated third and fourth left, among the SHGA award winners 2016
Jazmine Tomlinson and Brodie Cowan both of Jedburgh, seated third and fourth left, among the SHGA award winners 2016

Governing body, the Scottish Highland Games Association, recently staged its annual awards dinner, which celebrated the achievements of athletes and cyclists from across Scotland.

The award recipients demonstrated outstanding achievement in their chosen disciplines at summer Games.

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And among them were Jedburgh pair Jazmine Tomlinson, who became the first woman to win the New Year sprint race in the event’s 147-year history, and Brodie Cowan, who was named Female Youth Athlete of the Year in the youth divisions.

Around 100 people attended the event, in Glenrothes, Fife. The SHGA oversees 60 of the 80 games held across the country each year. It also administers a series of regional leagues and national and international Highland Games championships.

The 2016 season saw nearly 500 competitors entertain an estimated 150,000 spectators who had packed into games fields the length and breadth of Scotland to experience Highland Games first hand.

Award winners are chosen by the SHGA’s general council, which attends most of the games during the season.

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Jazmine Tomlinson from Jedburgh collected the Outstanding Female Achievement Award for her feat in the famous New Year sprint race at Musselburgh Racecourse.

After five athletes hit the line in near unison, a photo finish was required to identify the winner, with Jazmine being judged to have crossed the line first by 0.03 seconds.

With the 2016 season behind them, many of the athletes will begin their winter training programmes ahead of the 2017 season getting underway in May. Runners, cyclists and light and heavy athletes interested in competing at Highland Games affiliated to the SHGA next season must be registered with the organisation. This can be done via the SHGA website.

Charlie Murray, president of the SHGA, said: “It is great to recognise the achievements of all our competitors who devote a huge amount of time to training and competing in their chosen disciplines.

“The continued success and vibrancy of our Highland Games circuit is testament to all those who volunteer their time and energy to ensure events are staged throughout the country.”

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