Paisley sprinter Ross Patterson says he will never forget the incredible wall of noise he felt when he stepped onto the track in Birmingham.
But the sense of togetherness and acceptance the 23-year-old felt as part of his Scottish team at his Games at the Commonwealth is even more ingrained in his heart.
His T37/38 100m final for Patterson followed after Scottish star girl Eilish McColgan won her 10,000m title.
Not only did he score his personal best of 11.95 while competing against boyhood heroes to finish his fifth place, but the nursery teacher was overwhelmed by the welcome he received from his fellow Scots. After that, he revealed that he became a lifelong best friend. athlete.
Summing up his experience at Birmingham, Patterson told Renfrewshire his live his sport:
"This is the first time that able-bodied and disabled athletes have blended so well.
"I always feel a little intimidated by new people, but once everyone I was rarely in the room once I met
"There was an arcade where we played table tennis and watched other Scots games. It was great.
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"Everyone was so kind and made the experience 100 times better than I could have imagined.
"We need to be integrated and those left behind I've made some lifelong best friends at Team Scotland.
"My final was right after the Irish won the gold and the roar was amazing. He was the first Scot to later compete and the noise barrier was unbelievable.
``It was unexpected to run PB in the final. Sometimes finishing in 5th place was a really proud achievement.
"I was competing with the boy I looked up to all my life.
"I competed with them in major tournaments. It was very special to compete."
Patterson admits that returning to Paisley was tough after one of the best experiences of his life. increase.
The determined runners will be back in action this weekend, but they are moving forward to qualify for next year's World Championships, and the Paralympics are another exciting goal not too far away.
Patterson said: Their support means everything to me.
“To be honest, I was disappointed to leave the Game Village. I'd love to fight for Team Scotland again.
"I hope to be back in Aberdeen this weekend and set a good time in the 400 m.
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"I usually run 200m and 400m, but the 100m was a little different.
"My big goals right now are the World Championships next year and the next year in Paris.
"I can take a lot of confidence from Birmingham. I believe this is just the beginning for me."
