Commonwealth Games call-up for athletics star Mena
FORMER Ripon Grammar School student Mena Scatchard has been selected to represent Scotland in the 800 metres at this month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow - the latest achievement in her remarkable athletics career.
The Stanford University graduate has been named in a star-studded Team Scotland squad for the Games, earning her first senior Commonwealth selection through her Scottish family heritage, with three of her four grandparents born north of the border.
Mena, who left RGS in 2021 and is from Hutton Conyers near Ripon, is due to compete in the 800m heats on July 27 and will be aiming to qualify for the semi-finals two days later as she takes to the track alongside some of Scotland’s leading middle-distance runners. The Games will be broadcast on Channel 5.
Her selection marks another significant milestone for the former RGS athletics star, whose talent first flourished while competing for the school before taking her to the United States on an athletics scholarship.
Last month Mena graduated from Stanford University, where she completed her postgraduate studies after transferring from Princeton University, where she was presented with the Top Women's Athlete Award.
During her time in America she continued to develop as one of Britain’s leading middle-distance athletes, producing a string of outstanding performances and personal bests.
Having represented Team GB in Europe, Mena was ranked No. 2 in Britain in the 1,500m and No. 3 in Europe. She was also ranked No.2 in Britain and No. 4 in Europe in the 800m.
Following the Commonwealth Games, Mena hopes to continue her rapid progression by turning professional and is already in discussions with professional athletics teams about the next stage of her career.
Throughout her time at Ripon Grammar School, Mena established herself as one of the school’s outstanding sporting talents, excelling in cross country and track events and regularly representing North Yorkshire and England Schools before earning her scholarship to study and compete in the United States.
Her latest international selection is another proud moment for the RGS community, demonstrating how dedication, determination and hard work can take talented young athletes from school competitions to the world stage.
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