Inglis targets medal success after Games selection
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STEPHANIE Inglis is ready to seize her golden opportunity and shine on one of the biggest sporting stages of all.
The Commonwealth Games beckons for Inverness-born Inglis following her selection in judo for Team Scotland.
It has been a dream 12 months in the making, Inglis clocking up the miles around the world to satisfy the qualifying criteria.
A silver medal won at a European Cup event in Russia was followed up by two more podium placings in Samoa (silver) and Mauritius (bronze).
All these were notable achievements for Inglis, but making it to her first Commonwealth Games represents a high in her sporting career. The 25-year-old, however, is not about to rest on any laurels.
"I definitely think a medal is within my reach," said Inglis, who will contest the women’s under-57kg weight category in Glasgow.
"I have fought some of the top girls in my weight category that I will be competing against at the Games and beat them before.
"If I can do the same again in Glasgow then, hopefully, it may even be enough to win a gold medal."
For Inglis, this will be her first experience of a Commonwealth Games, while there is the added incentive to impress on home soil.
"It means a lot," she said. "Many of my family and friends have got tickets and it will be great to perform in front of them and also to have their support behind me.
"I have taken part before at Scottish Open events, so I enjoy competing in front of a home crowd. It inspires me."
Inglis has come a long way since taking her first steps in judo.
The former Millburn Academy pupil, who comes from Daviot, has been guided along the way by her father Robert, who is a sensei with the successful city club Highland Budokan where Inglis began.
"My dad has played a big part in my judo," said Inglis, who is now stays in Dunfermline from where she commutes to Edinburgh to undertake her studies at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University.
"If I had the chance, I would probably compete in every competition going, but he helps me to choose the right one’s and so far, it’s worked well.
"I have certainly come a long way since my days with Highland Budokan. Now, I’m going to a Commonwealth Games — it’s a great achievement."
Meanwhile, competing at events across the globe is not only physically demanding for Inglis, but costly financially as well.
She has, however, had some welcome backing from businesses in the Highland capital and beyond.
"It can be expensive, but I’ve had great support from Anderson Clark Motor Repairs, Clark Thompson Insurance, Morrison Construction and Strathnairn Community Council.
"My former PE teacher Colin Baillie also put me forward to receive funding from Inverness Rotary Club, which helped greatly."
