James Higgins is Airdrie Harriers star

Feb 10 2010 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

SUPER sprinter James Higgins has started the year with a bang thanks to a double medal-winning performance.

The Airdrie Harriers Athletics Club athlete was in excellent form at the under-15 boys’ closed Scottish championships in Glasgow.

The 14-year-old ended the event with a gold medal in the 200 metres, having already won his heat, and came away from the 60m final with a bronze.

James achieved personal bests in both races, clocking finishes of 24.32 seconds in the 200m and 7.68 seconds in the 60m.

The St Margaret’s High School pupil has been training with the Harriers for four years.

Coach Mark Fraser said: “This is a big year for James and he has been training very hard over the winter months.

“I expected him to do well in both events, but the gold in the 200m was outstanding.

“James is fit and fast and I am sure that the rest of the season will bring more medals for him.”

Harriers ace Cairan Gallagher was unfortunate in the under-17 men’s 200m final but still finished in a creditable fourth place.

The club have enjoyed a successful start to the year. Emma Millar, Roisin Smith, Sarah McDonald and Victoria Barclay clinched the inaugural under-13 Superteams title.