MP Bob Seely has congratulated the IW competitors who took part in the Island Games in Gibraltar last week.
The team, who finished in 9th place, brought home 34 medals, eclipsing the successes in Gotland two years ago. Overall, eleven gold medals, eight silver and 15 bronze were secured – eight more than 2017.
Bob said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to the IW team for a truly fantastic achievement in Gibraltar last week. Thank you to everyone who represented the Island, you really did us proud.
“Thank you also to everyone who supported them – without your help they would not be able to compete. These successes don’t come easily, they are the result of great individual dedication and also in many cases the support of friends and family, team mates, coaches and sponsors.”
Bob said the entire team deserved praise but highlighted several individual achievements.
He said: “Congratulations to Dominic Cowen and Andrew Whittall who set a new games record in shooting and Matt Reed, Perron Phipps and Richard Clifton who also brought home gold medals in shooting.
“Also, very well done to 13-year-old Amelie Haworth, the Island’s youngest competitor, who won bronze in the ladies’ squash at her first Island Games.
“Sisters Emily and Hannah Niven did brilliantly bringing home gold medals in judo and also sisters Imogen and Shelly Moss who won gold in the ladies standard pistol team event.
“Congratulations to Dan Eckersley who retained his 3,000m steeplechase title that he won in Gotland two years ago.
“A fantastic achievement from Charlie Metcalfe who won gold in the women’s half marathon – the first Island athlete to do so. Her gold helped the ladies half marathon team to a silver medal.
“Finally congratulations to Abi Lacey who swam a new personal-best winning silver in the 100m individual medley. Abi also swam the quickest time of any Isle of Wight woman ever in the 400m individual medley and won a silver medal which is something to be very proud of.”