Eastwood star athlete Luke faces Olympics sponsorship fight

Luke Traynor (24) recently returned to the UK after studying in the USA, where he competed as part of the University of Tulsa’s 10,000 metres team – and last year was ranked Britain’s sixth fastest 10,000 metres runner.

But now he faces a battle to afford the hefty costs of competing in the Olympics.

Now South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle has teamed up with his parliamentary colleague and MSP for the West Scotland Region, Maurice Golden, in an effort to help him make his dream come true.

European Gold medallist and former Olympic athlete Brian Whittle MSP said: “Luke’s determination and ambition is fantastic and I’m 100 per cent behind him.

“I understand what it takes to reach the highest levels of competition in sport and I think Luke has what it takes.

“Backing young athletes like Luke isn’t just about winning medals for Team GB – it can inspire the next generation to succeed and encourage more of us to take up a sport and become more active.”

Maurice Golden MSP said: “Luke is a great example of home grown Scottish sporting talent – an athlete who trains locally, and who can take it all the way to the Olympics.

“Scotland has produced many world class athletes over the years, and, with the right support, Luke can be one of them”.

The politicians say his drive to gain sponsorsip is particularly necessary as Sport Scotland’s budget has recently been cut by 20 per cent.

Luke Traynor said: “I am absolutely 100 per cent committed to my running – I will do whatever it takes to get to Tokyo in 2020 and do my country proud.

“I’ve been going from strength to strength over the past two years, and I am ready to step up to the next level. With a little help, I believe I can be a serious contender at the next Olympics”.