Euan Murray takes the next step towards his Commonwealth dream

The T64 100m sprinter is already looking ahead to the next Commonwealth Games in four years’ time and has been inspired by his experience in Glasgow. 

Due to begin his studies for a sport and business management degree in Spain, the 18-year-old who trains in Bath is looking ahead to starting the next Commonwealth cycle with one goal in mind. 

Murray enjoyed talks from former SportsAid athletes who have competed at the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games, and received advice and guidance about how to take the next steps in his career. 

"I’m really impressed and feel really proud to be part of this Games, considering Glasgow has taken it from the ground and made it happen,” Murray said. 

“Having my sights on India is going to be great, because I've got now a four-year degree which obviously lines up pretty perfectly with the next Games. I can get my head down and look back at this experience when considering that end goal. 

“Watching weightlifting last night was amazing and just walking around even wearing the Team England Futures kit, I feel proud. I love these environments. 

“I think with my personality as well, these environments really spur me on and give me the confidence and a feel-good feeling to go and perform. It's an inspirational environment to be in. 

“The word immersed gets thrown around a lot, but I really have felt immersed here. Shadowing the elite athletes from breakfast until dinner, as well as watching the Games, allows me to understand everything that goes on behind the actual performance. 

“You're on the track, you're in your own lane, and you do what you've trained to do, but everything else is different. 

“And the media training and the kitting out experience really helps me get to grips with what I will face, if I make it to the Commonwealth Games.” 

Team England Futures, delivered by SportsAid in partnership with Commonwealth Games England and Sport England, gives an athlete insight into the demands and opportunities of competing at the highest level of sport. 

For many aspiring athletes, the environment of a major championship can be daunting, but Murray and his cohort were supported by coaches, teammates and the SportsAid team. 

The programme provided an opportunity to learn and make the most of every multi-sport event, such as the Commonwealth Games, and understand an athlete’s ability to remain focused despite the noise, scale and pressure. 

“Representing Team England or Team GB, as a senior athlete at a multi-sport Games, would be an absolute pinnacle of my career. 

As an athlete, it’s what you think about. There's nothing like wearing that badge and doing your best,” Murray said. 

“It's a great event to have as an end goal, and Team England Futures has allowed me to really circle that goal and get a sense of what it is like to be an elite performer.”