Smashing win for Mclean
Despite being injured in preparation for the London Marathon, Wymondham's Ian Mclean was crowned Scottish table tennis champion for the over 40s for the second time last weekend.
Despite being injured in preparation for the London Marathon, Wymondham's Ian Mclean was crowned Scottish table tennis champion for the over 40s for the second time last weekend.
The 44-year-old's training programme for the event was completely interupted by tendonitis that left him virtually unable to walk and on the verge of pulling out of the event with only seven days to go.
Thanks to the support of his medical team physio Tim Shepard and Rafiel of Wymondham Chiropractic Clinic he was able, with seriously curtailed preparation, to dig deep into the reserves of experience to pull this championship out of the bag.
Mclean owes a big debt to two of the students he teaches PE at Earlham High School, Arron Marche and Shane Underhill, who gave up a lot of time to help him cram in practise prior to the event once he was able to walk again.
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Mclean said: “Both Shane and Arron have become local table tennis stars in the last two years, having won all county U18 events held this year between them. Their help at the late stage of my preparation was crucial to my success.”
Afterwards he dedicated the win to his mum, saying: “My dear mother passed away in 2006 and, along wth my dad, was the pillar of support over the duration of my 33-year career. I dedicate this title to her memory, and I'd like to thank my wife and daughter for their patience and sacrifices as I prepare for these events.”
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Mclean appreciates he is very fortunate to still be playing table tennis at the elite level in the UK at the ripe old age of 44 but puts his success down to commitment and dedication to staying physically very fit and finely tuned.
He said: “As any elite athlete will tell you it takes complete sacrifice to reach the very top and to stay there at 44 it requires motivation, passion and desire to push yourself that extra mile.”
Mclean demonstrated that well recently when competing for Wymondham Athletics Club he finished the local 20-mile road race in a lifetime best time.
Barring any last-minute hiccups he will be running the London Marathon on Sunday in aid of stroke research.
If anyone would like to support his fundraising campagain, contact him c/o Wymondham Baptist Church.
