Sir Chris Hoy Leads New Sports Hall Of Fame Inductees
Sir Chris Hoy has joined many of his childhood heroes in the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.
Britain's most successful Olympian is among a group of five sporting stars to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, including rugby legend Sir Ian McGeechan, sailor Shirley Robertson, Commonwealth shooting champion Shirley McIntosh and 13-time Paralympic swimming medallist Kenny Cairns.
The 2015 inductees were recognised at an event in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow tonight.
The Hall of Fame was set up in 2002 to celebrate Scottish sporting success and already includes 93 stars from 32 sports such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Kenny Dalglish, Liz McColgan and Gavin Hastings.
Sir Chris retired from cycling in 2013 with six Olympic golds to his name and described his latest honour as a huge privilege''.
He said: To see my name on a list of some of Scotland's most inspirational sporting stars, many of them my childhood heroes, I am overwhelmed.
I enjoyed every minute of my cycling career and still feel like the luckiest man in the world to have been given the opportunity to do what I love.
But this award isn't just for me. It's for all of the people who have supported me along the way, allowed me to focus on my cycling and be the athlete I always wanted to be. Thank you all.''
Sir Ian, 69, joins a host of rugby legends in the Hall of Fame, marking his success as a player and a coach with Scotland and the British and Irish Lions.
He said: When I trained as a PE teacher, and even when I began my playing career, I never imagined what the future would hold. To have been given the opportunity to play for my country, to play for and then coach the British and Irish Lions, these are very special.
It's a great privilege to join this incredible group of people who represent the very best of Scottish sport over the years.
When I look at the names on that list, including some of the greats from my own sport, I am absolutely honoured.''
Members of the public nominate athletes for the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame and a panel of experts review the submissions.
Congratulating the 2015 inductees, Louise Martin, chair of sportscotland and the Hall of Fame selection panel, said: These five new inductees have certainly earned their place and I am delighted to welcome them into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.
Scotland has a rich sporting heritage and our inductees have all been trailblazers who have demonstrated the determination and commitment required to excel in their chosen sports, and excel they did.
Chris, Shirley, Kenny, Shirley and Ian have all done so much to make us proud as a nation, but also to inspire those who follow in their wake.''