Brave Ayr schoolboy is a world champion

Jul 16 2010 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

HE’S only nine years old but already a world champion – twice over.

Wee Gavin Drysdale has just smashed the global records, even though he battles severe disability.

This extraordinary lad left other competitors in his wake when he took part in the European Race Running Championships in Denmark.

The Ayr Grammar pupil was Scotland’s first ever competitor in the competition.

And there is no one prouder than his dad Peter.

He explained: “Gavin was just brilliant.

“It was tremendous to watch him. Of course I had a tear in my eye.

“It’s amazing to see what these kids achieve.

“It’s fantastic to see them doing so well and how determined they are.”

Gavin competed against other children in the 100 and 800 metre races and set record times.

His race runner allows Gavin to race on a three-wheeled bike by running rather than pedalling.

He came first in both races, much to the delight of Peter, who was quick to phone home and tell mum Margaret and big sister Natalie, 12, the good news.

Gavin, who trains two days a week at Ayr’s Dam Park, was born with a form of cerebral palsy called cerebellar ataxia.

The condition means he has low muscle tone. Gavin has difficulty with all muscle movements, he loses his balance easily and uses a walker.

His speech is also affected, but Gavin uses sign language, an electronic device and a charming smile to say what he wants – and gets his own way.

But although he has difficulty performing most day-to-day tasks, Gavin gets a special freedom when using his race runner.

Peter explained: “To put into context how good Gavin is – when he first started doing this at the age of five, we walked along side him.

“Now we have to take our bikes to keep up with him when he is running distances.

“Neither Margaret or I are particularly athletic so this has come as a real surprise.

“Race running really helps Gavin with his condition. It’s great for leisure and exercise and he is super-fit.

“It gives him the freedom of movement and speed.”

Peter and Margaret want Gavin’s brilliance to spread far and wide.

He added: “We’re so proud of him and now hope to start a race running club in Ayrshire – we want Gavin’s success to make a difference to other people’s lives.”

And the man himself has high hopes for the future.

Gavin pointed out: “This helps me run, race others, be balanced and be a part of more things.

“It was a great experience for me competing at international level and I would like to thank everyone who has helped.

“I am going to keep training and hopefully win more competitions and I would love one day to represent my country in the Paralympics.”