Local man, Luke Patience, from Rhu, was this week selected as the first Scottish athlete in the Great British Olympic team for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Luke and his partner, Stuart Bithell, will compete in the Men’s 470 sailing event.  Selection for the event is highly competitive as each nation is only allowed to enter one boat into the race.

Luke and Stuart began working together in 2009 and have won two silver world championship medals in that time, most recently in Perth at the World Championship in December 2011.

Local MSP Jackie Baillie has placed a motion in Parliament commending Lawrence on his outstanding achievement and wishing him every success in the Olympic Games in London.

She said:

“I would like to offer Luke my congratulations for being the first Scot to be selected for the Great British team for the 2012 Olympics in London.

“Luke and Stuart already have two silver world championships under their belt, and now to be selected to compete for Great Britain at the Olympics is yet another outstanding achievement.

“I wish Luke and Stuart every success in their event and look forward to following their progress at the Olympics in the summer.”