Graeme Obree Honoured In Scottish Sports Hall of Fame
Today, the outstanding achievements of six of Scotland's sporting heroes were celebrated as sportscotland Chair Louise Martin CBE announced their induction into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame at the City Chambers in Glasgow. Graeme Obree (Cycling), Ian Stark OBE (Equestrianism), Graeme Randall MBE (Judo), Richard Corsie MBE (Lawn Bowls), Steve Hislop (Motorcycle Racing), and K G MacLeod (Cricket & Rugby) are the latest Scots to be recognised for their sporting endeavours.
Launched in 2002, the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame has been developed through a unique partnership between sportscotland and National Museums Scotland to recognise and celebrate Scotland's rich sporting heritage. By providing a public record of Scotland's greatest sportsmen and women, the Hall aims to inspire younger generations and promote a culture of Scots recognising and celebrating Scottish success across a range of sports.
Congratulating the 2010 inductees, Louise Martin CBE, Chair, sportscotland and Chair of the Selection Panel, said:
"I am delighted that today will see a further six sporting legends inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame. Their achievements are nothing short of outstanding and it is absolutely right that they should be honoured by the nation for their contribution to sport."
Minister for Public Health and Sport Shona Robison added her congratulations:
"I am proud to welcome six fantastic new inductees into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame."
"The Hall of Fame is all about honouring Scotland's sporting greats and showcasing their success. These legends motivate us all to get involved with sport too - from having fun playing your favourite sport with friends to inspiring younger generations to become Scotland's future champions."
Graeme Obree's achievements are so inspiring that a film has already been made of his life. ‘The Flying Scotsman' was released in 2007 and documented the life of the man who broke records in his own inimitable style.
Graeme developed an interest in cycling at an early age and soon he and his brother were cycling up to 120 miles a day. When Franco Moser set the world hour record in 1982, 18 year old Graeme was determined that one day he would break it. In 1993 he did just that, astonishingly on his second attempt in 24 hours and using his renowned bike ‘Old Faithful', which is now on display as part of the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland. Graeme went on to win two individual World Pursuit Championships plus numerous time trial and distance titles. Graeme is probably best known for his innovative and distinctive cycling positions and specially adapted bike which challenged the thinking of the sport's ruling body.
The ceremony at the City Chambers in Glasgow brings the total number of inductees to 88 (13 women and 75 men) representing 27 sports: 14 footballers, 10 from athletics, 10 from swimming; 7 from golf, 9 from rugby and 6 boxers. Also in attendance were: fellow members of the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame, athletes, sports organisations and individuals representing the breadth of Scottish sport, who gathered to honour the six new inductees who have made the nation proud.
• The ceremony brings the total number of inductees to 88 (13 women and 75 men) representing 27 sports: 14 footballers, 10 from athletics, 10 from swimming; 7 from golf, 9 from rugby and 6 boxers. Biographies of all 88 inductees can be found on the website www.sshf.co.uk
• In tune with induction criteria applied to sports halls of fame around the world, nominees for induction into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame must be either: a person born in Scotland, a person who, under the rules of the relevant governing body, was eligible to compete for Scotland or a person who has resided in Scotland during the major part of their sporting career. Also they should have normally retired from top-level participation in their sport for a minimum of five years. However, the interpretation of the criteria is at the discretion of the independent selection panel.
• The independent selection panel comprises leading sports historians, journalists and administrators: Louise Martin CBE, Chair, Richard Brickley MBE, John Burnett, Jon Doig, Doug Gillon, Prof. Grant Jarvie, Norman Mair, Andy Mitchell, Robin Morris, Colin Pearson, Alison Walker, David Webster OBE, Mike Wilson.
