A proud mum from Brentford will today (Wednesday) carry the Commonwealth Games baton for 200m through the streets of East Renfrewshire.
Lorin McCrystal was chosen for the honour as she works for Hounslow firm DB Schenker, based near Heathrow Airport's Terminal 4, who are the Official Logistics Provider for the Games.
The 58 year old travelled up to Glasgow yesterday (Tuesday) full of the buzz of anticipation, but also hoping her moment in the spotlight doesn't fall flat.
She said: “I'm really looking forward to running as part of the Queen's Baton Relay. It is a huge honour and a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“However, my daughter has pointed out that if I trip over, the world will be watching and it will go viral on Facebook!
“I used to run for my school, but I'm not a particularly healthy person, so I have been practising my running through Syon Park.”
McCrsytal was nominated by her colleagues at Schenker due to amount of voluntary hours she puts in with the London Borough of Hounslow Swimming Club (LBHSC).
She is currently chairperson of the club, but over the years has also served as membership secretary, helped with the borough swimming teams for the London Youth Games, helped with team selection, provided team managers and chaperones for the swimming teams and run the club shop.
She said: “When you become a committee member is really is a case of doing a bit of everything when the need arises.”
Among those she has ferried to and from the pool are her own son, who has swum for both Hounslow and Ealing, and daughter, who also swims for Hounslow.
She is also a qualified timekeeper and helps officiate at swimming meets when she can, and is currently taking her Judge 1 course – all of which is unpaid.
She added: “There is a shortage of swimming officials, and this is a way of giving something back to the sport that is a big part of our lives.”
LHBSC, who used to be Hounslow Hurricances, are one of the oldest swimming clubs in the borough and provide a successful pathway for swimmers who want to compete.
DB Shenker, meanwhile, was an Official Provider at two previous Commonwealth Games, Manchester 2002 and Melbourne 2006, and were also an exclusive supplier at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
