Athlete’s dream to reach Games

The Commonwealth Games take place in Glasgow from July 23

Courtney MacGuire (23) is currently ranked ninth in the UK and has recently increased her performance from 3.60m to 3.90m with the support of Olympic pole vault athlete and coach, Kate Dennison.

Courtney, from Milton of Campsie, is only 15cm off the Games’ qualifying standard, and is living temporarily in Loughborough for training and as a central base for competition.

To make sure she surpasses the standard in the next few months, the former Lenzie Academy pupil is heading over to Phoenix in America to train and compete with the world’s best female vaulters.

Courtney is trying to raise as much funding as possible to make the trip and fulfil her dream of competing at the Games.

She said: “Part of my plans to reach that final (in front of the home crowd at Hampden!) is to fund a trip to Arizona to compete in a number of world-class competitions.

“The trip is set to cost £2000 and therefore any support towards the trip will be hugely appreciated.

“Your support will be going a long way to ensure that I have every opportunity to reach that qualifying standard, and hopefully to surpass it. My target will be to aim for 4.20m to push for a place in the final.

“I am looking to raise £600 towards my trip, as this will help to cover the cost of my flights.

To support Courtney visit, http://bloomvc.com/project/commonwealth-pole-vaulter-hits-the-states#sthash.ouc4e05e.dpuf