Troon's Carly puts up a fight against Gladiators

May 14 2008 Ayrshire Post

AYR PE teacher Carly Whittle tangled with a cargo net on TV’s Gladiators.

And the 22-year-old contender’s bid for glory was snarled up in the web.

Carly appeared in the first show of a brand new series on Sunday night.

And she earned an impressive points lead going into the final eliminator.

But it all went wrong for Carly, who was carrying a number of injuries.

The Scottish netball international had a hamstring injury before she headed to Shepperton Studios.

And she went over on her ankle during training down there.

Carly said: “It was all great fun, and I don’t want to sound as if I’m making excuses.

“I wasn’t very good at that cargo net, and the RAF girl went past me.

“She obviously knew her stuff on an assault course.”

Carly did exceptionally well to even get a place on a show that’s back after eight years.

She was one of only 16 chosen from 20,000 who applied to take part.

Carly was thrilled to make it, as her dad, former Olympic athlete Brian Whittle, was once on the show.

Carly said: “Dad won an international edition of Gladiators about 10 years ago.

“And he came down to see me compete.”

Carly also had terrific support from her pupils at Ayr Academy.

And most were tuned in to Sky One on Sunday night.

They also helped to cheer up their plucky teacher on Monday morning.