Ten athletes from West Lothian will represent Scotland in upcoming Commonwealth Games

The wait is finally over for West Lothian’s athletes set to go for gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The sporting festival in Birmingham kicks off today and West Lothian will be proudly represented by 10 athletes across a number of sports as Team Scotland look to top the 44 medals they won four years ago in Australia.

And there’s every chance medals will be making their way back to West Lothian, with many of our athletes being podium hopefuls.

In the pool, Craig Benson is set to take part in his third Games for Team Scotland, while Livingston-born duo Keanna MacInnes and Emma Russell are part of an exceptionally strong female swimming squad.

Fauldhouse’s Reese Lynch made history by becoming the first Scottish boxer to win a medal at a senior World Championship event last year and is aiming to add Commonwealth Games gold to his collection, while Uphall gymnast Shannon Archer returns after an impressive showing at Gold Coast

2018.

She claimed a pair of fifth place finishes in Australia but will be looking for a medal in Birmingham. As will West Lothian Artistic Gymnastics Club ace Cameron Lynn.

There will be a distinct West Lothian feel to the gymnastics squad, too, as father-daughter

duo John and Becki Campbell are part of the coaching squad.

Lothian Running Club’s Sarah Inglis has enjoyed huge success since moving across the pond and the long-distance runner will be competing in her first Commonwealth Games.

It’s a first bite of the Games cherry also for Broxburn weightlifter Alice Aitchison and Livingston-born netball star Rachel Conway, who will be hoping to play her part in Team Scotland winning their first-ever medal in the sport.

Last, but by no means least, Ecclesmachan table tennis ace Colin Dalgleish is