THE Glasgow Commonwealth Games have brought back vivid memories for Greenock athlete Lawrie Spence.

He had just turned 25 when he represented Scotland in the 5,000 metres at the Edmonton Commonwealth Games in Canada in 1978.

But his chances of glory were spoiled by picking up a virus circulating in the athletes’ village.

Lawrie reached the final, but was unable to produce his real form because of the bug.

Nevertheless, he has very warm recollections of the Games, and the sub-four-minute miler is still the only athlete who features in the top 10 Scottish rankings for all distances from the mile to the marathon — even 25 years after retiring from racing.

A member of Inverclyde Athletic Club, he has worked tirelessly to maximise the refurbishment of Ravenscraig Stadium for the Inverclyde community, and spends countless hours voluntarily coaching at all levels and ages — many of his athletes have won national titles and represented Scotland and Great Britain at major championships.

And his considerable contribution to athletics was rewarded with him being one of the Queen’s Baton Relay members running through Inverclyde last week.

Looking back on Edmonton, Lawrie recalled waking up feeling ill on the day before the final.

He said: “I was put on antibiotics by the Scottish team doctor. I had got this far with so much effort put in by myself and all the others who had helped me, so I was going to make sure I was on that start line.

“I didn’t feel great on the day of the final. The race was at 7.20pm, and even at that time it was still hot for 12 and half laps of the track. “I had begun my warm-up routine when I heard that Allan Wells had won the 200 metres. I was transferring to the main stadium when I heard Scotland the Brave being played for Allan for his gold medal. That really got to me, as if I wasn’t nervous enough.” Lawrie continued: “We got on to the track and I did my usual nervous half-strides down the back straight and then got my tracksuit off ready to go.

“I could see the officials having a confab, and we were told to put our tracksuits back on again because one of the athletes had misplaced their spikes.

“I tried to keep focused, but at every turn there seemed to be a camera being shoved in my face as the TV commentators kept the audience amused. After what seemed an age, the spikes were found and brought on to the track and we went back to the line-up 20 minutes late.” The gun went at last.

Lawrie said: “Being well positioned, fourth from the inside, I found myself at the front, which was not my plan. I eased back into the pack and sat in the second lane keeping out of trouble. After lap four I wasn’t feeling that great, but it was a fast pace and not far behind a world record time.

“I kept hanging in there hoping to get the performance I wanted, but when the break came at just after 3,000m by Henry Rono of Kenya, I couldn’t cover it.

“I got detached from the leading pack but kept working away. It was clear the pills were not helping me.

“I could see Rono pulling away from his compatriot, Michael Musyoki, with Brendan Foster and Mick McLeod of England, and my team mate Nat Muir, fighting for the medals.

“Rono proved too good and won in 13:23 with Musyoki in 13:29, and Foster winning the bronze battle from McLeod and Muir.

“I had given it my best, but it was not my day — and to make it worse I was selected for the dope test. I was dehydrated and it took ages to produce the sample, even though I was drinking lots and lots.

“I managed just before they were about to lock up the stadium for the night!” Lawrie said that, on reflection, he shouldn’t have run in the final with a virus.

But he said: “I had given so much to make my goal, and so many family and friends had supported me in my quest, I just really hoped it would have come good for me on the day, but it was not to be.

“I have no regrets for trying. It was a wonderful experience in my athletics development, but also in a multi-cultural and multi-sport environment with excellent Canadian hosts looking after us.

“I did go on to compete internationally for Great Britain and Scotland for another nine years, and captained Scotland for track and field, roads and cross country. I met lots of people throughout the world and made many friends within the sporting community.” And looking forward to the rest of the Glasgow Games, he added: “I hope the Scottish team have a very successful event, and also that everyone will join me in cheering them on — but I wish I was at Hampden Park competing and not as a spectator!”