Glasgow cyclist Aileen McGlynn wins Paralympic silver medal weeks after reversing retirement
Ailenn set a personal best in the women's B 1000m time trial with Helen Scott
Last updated 26th Aug 2021
Glasgow paralympic cyclist Aileen McGlynn claimed Great Britain's opening medal on day two of the Tokyo Games, and the second for Scottish athletes.
The visually impaired rider, and her pilot Helen Scott, took silver in the women's B 1000m time trial with a personal best of 1:06.743
The pair were reunited on the tandem only 12 weeks ago having previously won a silver and bronze alongside her at London 2012.
Coming out of retirement
Paisley-born McGlynn, who won one gold at Athens 2004 and two in Beijing four years later, had ceased training just 12 months ago before resuming following the retirement of Sophie Thornhill, which left Scott searching for a new partner.
"To be here at another Paralympic Games, to set a lifetime personal best time, to come away with another silver medal is just phenomenal,'' said the 48-year-old.
"I was riding my bike last year, I wasn't training, I was just enjoying cycling. Not specific training.
"I got back into it when Sophie retired. I was asked if I was still cycling. I was asked to come and try out at a testing day. So, I got my finger out got training again.
"There were doubts, yeah. I thought it would be tough call for anybody to get back and be ready in a year. But I thought if I don't do it, I will always wonder. So, I gave it everything. Here I am.''
The pair's achievement brought Britain's fourth cycling medal of the Games following gold for Dame Sarah Storey and silvers for Crystal Lane-Wright and Steve Bate on day one.