Olympics: Carlin’s success story was made in Renfrewshire

Carlin won bronze in the men’s sprint on Friday, having already earned silver in the team sprint three days earlier.

The 24-year-old Paisley cyclist was squeezed out by Dutch world champion Harrie Lavreysen at the semi-final stage of the individual event but was too strong for Russian Denis Dmitriev over two rides in the showdown for third place.

And, afterwards, his proud mum Gill thanked the Johnstone Jets and the Glasgow Riders for the part they played in his success.

She said: “Jack himself will say he cannot thank those volunteer coaches enough.”

Reflecting on his bronze medal, Carlin admitted he didn’t feel like he had “the same legs,” as a gruelling week of competition took its toll.

He added: “I gave it my all and managed to come away with something.”

Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy was full of praise for Carlin, who rounded off his Tokyo efforts by claiming eighth place in the keirin at the weekend.

He said: “It’s wonderful to see another Scottish sprinter coming through.”

Also flying the flag for Renfrewshire at the Olympics over the weekend were marathon runners Steph Twell and Callum Hawkins, who are both members of Kilbarchan AAC.

Steph Twell

Twell showed typical determination in tough conditions to post a time of 2:53.26 as she finished in 68th place in the women’s event, despite a foot injury.

“I was running with some neural pain the whole way through,” said Twell.

And there was disappointment for Hawkins as his hopes of glory in the men’s race were scuppered by injury.

Callum Hawkins

He had to drop out following ankle issues which troubled him during his preparations for Tokyo.

Hawkins said: “I didn’t struggle too much with the conditions – it was warm and you could feel it – but it was my ankle that I’ve been dealing with for the past year that went.”