Alness world class para-athlete who studies at Inverness College receives top university award
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ALNESS para-athlete Abbie McNally has been recognised for her achievements on the world stage after receiving a prestigious award.
The Inverness College student, who completed an HNC in coaching and developing sport, received the full blues award from the University of the Highlands and Islands and the Highlands and Islands Student Association.
McNally, who trains with the Inverness Harriers, specialises in the 100m, 200m and long jump.
She first got involved in the sport after competing in a Highland Disability Sport athletics competition in May 2015.
She landed silver medals in the 100m with a personal best and 200m at the World Para Junior Champs in Switzerland last year.
She also took gold in the 200m and bronze in the 100m at the British Under-20 Championships in Bedford in 2019.
She is considered one of the leading para-athletes in her age group and category in the world.
Former Inverness College UHI student and Scottish Rugby star Jade Konkel, from Munlochy, also received an honorary blue award.
Honorary awards are given to athletes connected with the university who have made outstanding contributions to Scottish, British or world sport. Jade studied HNC Social Care at Inverness College UHI in 2012. She played for Hillhead Jordanhill, where she became Scottish Rugby’s first full-time female player in 2016, before playing in the Top 8 French Championship, later moving to English Premiership Club, Harlequins.
UHI dean of students Iain Morrison said: “These honours have been awarded to some exceptional people, who are somehow able to combine their studies and other commitments with elite-level performance and competition in their sporting discipline.
“We are proud of each one of them and hope that their success will inspire their fellow students to similar heights.”
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