GB's 1km tandem cyclist Aileen McGlynn and pilot Ellen Hunter smash the Olympic record and win Britain's first gold
|
Aileen was partially sighted at birth and started cycling when she was 8 years old, at 14 joined her local cycling club! Aileen didn't tell them that she had a sight problem in case they felt that she shouldn't ride with them.
They did work it out eventually but by then she had been out on a number of runs and had proved that she was capable of riding with them. Aileen cycles most weekends with the Johnston Wheelers who have offered her great support.
Despite living in Glasgow Aileen has to travel to Manchester to practice at the National Cycling Centre, a round journey of over 450 miles. The person on the front of Aileen’s tandem is Ellen Hunter, Aileen has to have a great deal of trust in Ellen as they hurtle round the track at great speeds.
Until recently Aileen was employed as a Trainee Actuary and had to fit in fulltime work, local training and travelling over 450 miles a week to train at the National Cycling centre. In March of 2006 Aileen decided to become a fulltime cyclist, this has allowed her to give 100% to her cycling something she says has greatly benefited her. |
Personal Details :
From: Glasgow
D.O.B: 22/06/73
Events: Track/Road
Club/Team: Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club
GB Team: Paralympic Cycling Team
Paralympic Category: VI
GB Debut: 2004 Paralympic Games
Personal Bests:
Female tandem 1km 1:11.16
Female tandem flying 200m 11.939
Female tandem 500m 36.862
Female tandem 3km 3:55.002
Mixed tandem 1km 1:10.47
Mixed tandem flying 200m 11.18
RESULTS PROFILE
PARALYMPICS
2004
1st, 1km
2nd, Sprint
PARALYMPIC WORLD CUP
2005
1st, 1km
1st, Sprint
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
2005
1st, 1km European Championships
1st, 1km Open European Championships
BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
2005
1st, Disability Omnium
2004
2nd, Disability Omnium |
