Paterson graduates to further honour
Published 30 May 2012 09:30
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Chris Paterson at Edinburgh University's Hall of Fame - photo courtesy University of Edinburgh.
SCOTTISH rugby's record cap and points scorer, Chris Paterson, has been inducted into the University of Edinburgh's Sports Hall of Fame.
The former Galashiels Academy pupil, who went on to win 109 international caps and scored a record 809 points for Scotland in an illustrious career, is being recognised by the the learning establishment where he spent three years studying to become a teacher.
Previous inductees to the Sports Hall of Fame include Olympic 400m champion Eric Liddell, quadruple Olympic gold medal-winner Sir Chris Hoy, three-time Olympic silver medallist Katherine Grainger and Scotland's most-capped woman footballer, Julie Fleeting.
Commenting on his award Paterson, whose 13 year professional career included time at Edinburgh, Glasgow and Gloucester, said: "I'm hugely honoured and delighted at this very special accolade. I studied Physical Education at Moray House for three years, never thinking I would go on to become a professional athlete for as long as I have. Hopefully I can continue to represent the University in the future as well."
Joining Chris Paterson in the Hall of Fame will be hockey player Alistair McGregor, who has won well over 100 caps for Scotland and Great Britain and who was one of the top-rated players and team captain of Team GB Hockey at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Also being recognised is Susan Jackson, one of only two Scotland shooters to have a 'full house' of Commonwealth Games medals, winning one gold, one silver and one bronze at each of three consecutive Games, beginning in Malaysia in 1998.
Jim Aitken, Director of the University's Centre for Sport and Exercise, said: "Elevation to the Sports Hall of Fame is the highest sporting award the University can bestow, and is designed to honour Edinburgh graduates who have achieved success on the world sporting stage. Chris Paterson, Susan Jackson and Alistair McGregor have all made huge contributions to their respective sports and are very worthy additions to our Hall of Fame."
All three inductees will have their contributions to sport recognised at the University's annual sports dinner, within the Playfair Library at Old College, Edinburgh this evening.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 30 May 12
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