The Heath’s ‘Flying Scott’ strikes gold at World Masters’ Athletics Championships

Runcorn: August 17, 2015: Record-breaking athlete Darren Scott – a fitness instructor at The Heath Leisure Suite in Runcorn – is on top of the world after clinching gold in the 200 metres M45 event at the World Masters’ Championships in Lyon, France.

The victory means the veteran sprinter retains an incredible nine-year record of being unbeaten over 200 metres in Masters’ races since he started competing over the distance in 2006.

His winning time of 22.72 was outside of the world record he set earlier this year in Poland when he won European Masters’ Indoor Championships but it was enough to see off fellow Briton Jason Carty who was runner-up and American sprinter Lee Bridges who finished in third place.

Darren also came within a whisker of making it a double gold when he narrowly missed out in the M45 100 metres final – taking bronze in a three-way photo finish. The championships were held in Lyon from August 4-16.

Darren, who was cheered on by his wife Rebecca who he married earlier this year, said: “The 100 metres was a fantastic race and a really close finish. None of us knew who had won when we crossed the line and we had to wait for the result to be shown on the big screen in the stadium.”
Darren setting his world record earlier this year.

Darren was top of the winner’s rostrum in the M45 200 metre final with an emphatic victory. He last appeared at the World Outdoor Championships in 2011 when he won the M40 200 metre title but then decided to retire. However, he soon came out of retirement to compete again at the top level and has been rewarded with stunning success during the 2015 season.

He said: “It’s been a brilliant year to win the European Masters’ Indoor title, break the world record and now to win the gold at the World Outdoor Championships. And if that wasn’t enough, I also got married this year to my partner Rebecca who has been a fantastic support – I don’t think I can top a year like this!”

Darren plans to continue running and has now set his sights on competing next year at the European Masters’ Indoor Championships in Italy. However, he is unlikely to defend his world title because the next championships are being staged in Perth, Australia.

Said Darren: “I’d love to go to Australia to defend my title but realistically without any sponsorship I cannot afford to travel that far. Australia 2016 isn’t on my radar at the moment unless a sponsor comes forward to help.”

Darren, aged 46, only took up athletics when he was 21 and quickly became a top-class 200 metre sprinter representing Scotland at international level. When he turned 35-years-old he became eligible to enter Masters’ competitions where he literally took the world by storm. He currently holds an astonishing 48 club, UK, British, European and World titles competing against athletes who in their heyday have graced Olympics’ tracks.

He has been unbeaten in his event since 2006, winning gold medals at every European and World Championship contest he has competed in.

Darren and Rebecca live in Runcorn with their two children Franky and Laylah. Darren represents St Helens and Sutton Athletics Club and trains at The Heath Leisure Suite where he works.

Darren, said: “You have to be 35 or over to take part in the Masters and events are broken down into bands covering five years. People can take part as long as they are fit and able.”

John Lewis, Managing Director of SOG, the owner and operator of The Heath Business and Technical Park, said: “This is another fantastic achievement by Darren who is a remarkable athlete who really has the ability and the will to win. His unbeaten 200 metres record at all the Masters’ events he has competed in since 2006 is an amazing testament to his talent and determination. We are really lucky to have such an inspirational instructor at The Heath Leisure Suite.”

To find out more about the business park and how to join The Heath Leisure Suite visit www.theheath.com. Anyone wishing to speak Darren about sponsorship should contact him on 07903971307

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
17th August 2015