A young Perthshire dentist hopes to have plenty to smile about this summer.
Middle distance runner Morag McLarty will be fighting for a spot in Scotland’s 2014 Commonwealth Games team.
She is less than a second away from achieving the minimum qualifying time to compete in the 1500m event, despite juggling a gruelling training schedule with her work at Blairgowrie Dental Care.
The 27-year-old has also just returned from a prolonged break due to injury and told The Courier she was “delighted” with her progress.
Morag travels from her home in Auchterarder to Glasgow several times a week to train with her coach, Andy Young, who also works with Scottish 800m record holder Laura Muir.
She said: “It’s going to be pretty hard, but hopefully I can get the qualifying time. It’s all looking quite promising at the moment.
“It’s really exciting to be working towards Glasgow 2014, particularly after the success of the Olympics and the fact it’s our home games.”
This isn’t the first time Morag has been tipped for Commonwealth glory, as she made it to the 2006 games in Melbourne, finishing eighth in her heat.
If she is successful at this year’s event, she has her eye on a bigger prize.
“Rio 2016 is something I would definitely want to compete in,” she added.
“If things keep on improving the way they have and I manage to stay injury-free, then I would definitely considering trying out for Team GB.
“Kelly Holmes was 33 when she won her first gold medals, so I think I’ve got plenty of time left.”
To achieve her dream, however, Morag is seeking sponsorship to help her pay for physiotherapy, accommodation at competitions and training camps, as she currently funds this herself.
Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Morag by emailing wee.mo8@gmail.com.