Prott’s momentum reset by lockdown
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Inverness squash player Alasdair Prott is hoping to pick up where he left off when lockdown is eventually lifted and squash players are allowed back on court.
The 18-year-old had been in great form before sport across the globe came to a halt in March.
He won the Scottish Under-23 title in January before securing a ninth Scottish Junior national crown soon after.
An impressive third place finish at the German Junior Open in early March was then followed up a week later by further title joy at the Austrian Junior Open.
The first year Heriot-Watt University student said: “I had been getting better results of late and was making good progress, so it was frustrating when we had to go into lockdown.
“My form was good and I guess I was fortunate to fit in the two European events before everything shut down.
“The German Junior Open was pleasing.
“I was against a strong field and when I went over to Austria my goal was to win, which I managed to do.”
Lockdown has presented challenges for every athlete, but for Prott it has meant being away from facilities.
“With university suspended I’m back home in Inverness,” he added.
“It’s obviously pretty mentally challenging for any athlete to be kept away from their sport, but with the support network that Scottish Squash and sportscotland offered me, they have been able to keep me focused on training and I have a good plan in place.
“I’ve been working closely with my coach Kylie Lindsay as well as Liam Mitchell (strength and conditioning) and Marek Anestik (physiologist) from sportscotland.
“All of us collaborating together ensures I get the best out my training sessions.
“I’m fortunate my parents have a good sized garden and we have some gym equipment in the garage. So when things start off again I’m hoping to continue the progress I was making.”