Team Scotland’s Speirs ready to make history in Birmingham (VIDEO)

Lynsey Speirs is set to wear the Team Scotland jersey at the Commonwealth Games as 3X3 wheelchair basketball features for the first time in the competition.

The 3X3 version of the sport will make its debut at the Games and is played on a half-court, with teams having just 12 seconds to shoot during each phase of play.

Each game is played over a 10-minute period and will take place at the Smithfield venue in the heart of Birmingham.

Speirs, who also plays for Loughborough Lightning, knew that the format would create opportunities for her to perform in Birmingham, motivating her to work hard in all conditions during the build-up.

"We knew it was on the cards and we knew that 3X3 was going to be the format,” Lynsey explained.

“It was going to be the first time ever that there was a senior Scotland squad and I was doing everything I could to prepare – playing basketball in the rain when there was no halls over the COVID period.

“To finally get the selection and to be able to wear and Scotland branded kit – it's mine, I’ve earned it – is just so important to me. I'm really, really, proud and honoured. I wouldn't give up the chance to play in Birmingham for anything."

Speirs, who is also studying for a PhD at the University (Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences), is looking forward to friends and family offering their support.

"I can't wait to go and showcase our fantastic sport at a games where my family can also travel to Birmingham,” she added.

“Although it’s technically not a home games for Scotland...they’ll be able to come down and support as if it was truly a home games for us."

All four gold medals in 3x3 wheelchair basketball will be awarded on Tuesday 2 August.

Loughborough’s dedicated 2022 Commonwealth Games website features all the latest news, videos, and medal tables from Birmingham.

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 22/141

Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

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