Published: Tuesday, 30th June, 2009 2:37pm

Sprint Queen Stacey retains her title

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WEST Linton sprinter Stacey Downie retained her 200 metres Scottish title at the weekend in Pitreavie.

The 22-year-old sports science student, who is coached by Bill Walker, had claimed bronze in the 100-metres on Saturday.

But the following day destroyed a quality field to land the longer sprint by almost three metres in a time of 24.42 seconds.

Running into a strong headwind Stacey almost beat her personal best of 24.18

Dunfermline"s Gemma Nicol finished in second behind Stacey with Laura McGawn of Windsor, Slough and Eton in third.

Fellow West Linton runner Chris O"Hare finished fifth in the final of the Scottish 1500 metres behind Collis Birmingham of Team New Balance. 21-year-old Chris recorded a time of 3 minutes 48.99 seconds.

Stacey said: 'I had some issues with my back on Friday and it felt really stiff on Saturday for the 100m.

'My back had loosened out by Saturday and only for the wind I feel I"d have broken my personal best.

'I"m competing in the British U-23 championships in Bedford this weekend where I"ll be looking to defend another of my titles. Thankfully I"m in good form heading into it .'

* An additional athletics meeting is being staged in the Borders this season.

More than £1500 of prize money will be on offer at the Hawick Youth Games on Saturday, July 4.

As well as a range of age group races at Volunteer Park, including a £250 invitation youth sprint, there will be three open races for seniors.

Entries are being taken for the additional meeting by handicapper Adam Crawford until Sunday, June 28.

The athletics start at 1pm.