Megan’s a wham bam Bahamas hit for Scotland and a boxing history-maker
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GOLD is the colour in Megan Gordon’s sights after the Moray teenager made Scottish sporting history at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
The Elgin Boxing Club teenager became the first female to represent Scotland in her sport at a Commonwealth event, and the first to medal when she clinched bronze in the Bahamas this week.
Now the 17-year-old is targeting Australia’s Gold Coast, where the senior Commonwealth Games are being held next year and Megan is on a mission to be picked for Team Scotland once again.
‘Princess’ Megan, as she is nicknamed in jest as daddy’s little princess since her father Paul is head coach at her Elgin club, was stunned by the reaction back home to her success in Nassau.
She stormed to a unanimous points victory in her quarter final 51kg bout last Thursday against Cayman Islands opponent Chambria Dalhouse, guaranteeing a historic medal in the process.
The Scottish title holder was then on the wrong end of the judges’ split decision to lose her semi-final against taller and more experienced New Zealand opponent Shylah Te Urang Waikai on Saturday.
“It was quite a close fight and even though I didn’t make it to the final, the atmosphere was great,” she said. “It gave me a real confidence boost to know that not only was I the first girl selected at this level but the first one to medal too. It was a proud moment.”
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News of her success travelled fast and drew a huge reaction on social media from family, friends and fans back home in Moray. “The wi-fi was dodgy but once I got on, to see everyone’s comments was amazing. It made you feel good when everyone was supportive. It made me want to do well for everyone.”
Facetime calls to her parents and boxer boyfriend Fraser Edwards, from Keith were a big comfort to Megan but she said she made many new friends in the Bahamas.
“The opening ceremony had a real carnival atmosphere and got you excited for the Games. I was sharing with two beach volleyball girls and by the first night we were best mates.
“Everyone seemed to get on and we were chatting with the Australian and the New Zealanders because we were staying in the same hotel.
“With me winning the bronze, I had never done a medal ceremony like that. It was such a proud moment. “We were all stood on the podium and the New Zealanders had a Haka team, like the rugby so that created a great atmosphere. We didn’t know what to do while they were doing the Haka but it was a good moment.”
The Youth Games is staged as a platform for young athletes to progress to the Commonwealth Games, which are held every four years. Next April they come to Australia and Megan would love to be part of the Team Scotland selectors’ plans.
“Gold Coast is coming up and after the Bahamas it has made me want it more. It has to be the next aim. “I think they are just taking one female boxer so it will be a fight for it. This was a good stepping stone for me.”
Scotland enjoyed a successful games, winning 21 medals including eight golds – their best haul since 2002 – to finish fourth on the medals table.
