African adventure for Kris

Kris Robertson is preparing to take to the global stage for Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games - but he has an even tougher test to come.
Kris RobertsonKris Robertson
Kris Robertson

Kris (26), from Bishopbriggs, qualified for the 4x400 relay when he and his teammates clocked a time of 3:06.58 - the second fastest performance EVER by a Scottish team. Scotland’s second fastest time in Belgium.

It means he’ll be taking to the track against some of the world’s finest athletes at Hampden Park.

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But just weeks after his time in the limelight, Kris will be taking on a very different challenge in Malawi.

The geography teacher will be travelling to the African country with his school, Whitehall Secondary, to take part in World Challenge.

Kris said: “Representing Scotland is always a great achievement but to have a home crowd cheering you on will make the experience even more special for me.

“However, regardless of all my athletics training, I’m sure I’m going to struggle in Malawi. It’ll be a bit more intense than running around a track.”

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“I love the impossible and live for a challenge – I wanted the students of Whitehill to also experience that challenge.”

He added: “Some of the pupils we’re taking on the trip are from difficult backgrounds and have had bad experiences in life. I want them to be grateful for what they do have and to push their bodies beyond what they thought was possible.

“I want them to come home and tell everyone what a life-changing experience the expedition was and to be able to pinpoint why.”

Kris has also been passing on fitness advice to the school’s students in the lead up to the expedition.

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He said: “Every student has a different set of abilities so we’ve picked a team with a wide range of skills. I have been training the team up so that everyone has a good level of fitness before we travel so that they can gain the maximum benefit and complete every aspect of the expedition.”

But in the short-term Kris is focusing on the job in hand at Hampden Park, as he nears the end of his running career.

He said: “I wouldn’t be competing if I didn’t think I could win but it all comes down to your performance on the day. I’m currently ranked 8th but that can count for little on the day.

“It’s also warming to have received so many good luck posters and cards from the school students and I know they’ll be cheering me on.”

More information at www.world-challenge.co.uk