Latest news with #Lachie
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- General
- Scotsman
The extraordinary story of how Lachie Stewart became a Scottish national hero
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... For all the majestic and, at times, inglorious moments that defined Scottish sport throughout the 20th century, the crowning achievement of distance runner Lachie Stewart is too often forgotten. He was, and remains, one of Scotland's greatest ever athletes, and the sad occasion of his death last week at the age of 81 is a chance to revisit the moment he became a national hero after claiming gold in the 10,000 metres at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. No one, except perhaps Lachie himself, considered such a feat realistic. He was a gifted runner, for sure, but found himself up against a talented field which included Dick Taylor, the British record holder, and Kenya's Naftali Temu, the reigning Commonwealth champion. Above them all towered Ron Clarke, the revered Australian who had set no less than 17 world records during a gilded career. Having taken silver at three previous iterations of the Games, Clarke was widely expected to go one better in Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lachie's talents had been recognised at numerous Scottish meets and Amateur Athletics Championships, but in truth, he was viewed as an outsider, and even in an age when athletics remained a strictly amateur pursuit, his training regime was unorthodox. Although he joined his local running club in Alexandria as a teenager, and progressed to the Shettleston Harriers, he was a self-taught runner who seldom took to a track, preferring to mark out 800 yard and 400 yard repeats in a local park. Lachie Stewart with his gold medal won in the Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres final at Meadowbank stadium Edinburgh in July 1970. Picture: The Scotsman | TSPL Out of sorts on big day His great virtue, however, was hard graft. Every weekday, the young Scot would run to and from his home in Rutherglen and his workplace at Glasgow Dental Hospital. If ten miles was insufficient, he would give up his lunch break to pound the length of Sauchiehall Street and its surrounding thoroughfares. On occasion, he would even accept the challenge laid down by a bus driver, racing them all the way from Anderston to Shawlands. Come a dreich July day in the shiny new Meadowbank Stadium, the 27-year-old faced an even greater challenge. Lachie had felt a little out of sorts on the day of the biggest race of his sporting life, and had just a few tea biscuits for breakfast. The discomfort was the result of a peptic ulcer – not that he or the thousands of home supporters cheering knew it. 'An idol of mine' With just 200 metres to go, he was in third place, tucked in behind Taylor and Clarke. But buoyed by the crowd's cheers, he kicked on, passing a tiring Taylor and overtaking a grimacing Clarke on the home straight to secure Scotland's first flat race Games gold. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The dogged, wily performance had already secured Lachie's place in Scottish sporting history, but what happened next revealed to the world the true character of a champion, as he walked over to Clarke, shook his hand, and told him: 'I'm sorry to be the one who had to beat you. You've always been an idol of mine.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘One of the all-time iconic moments' – Tributes pour in as Scottish athletics legend dies
His career highlight came at a famous home Commonwealth Games RIP LACHIE 'One of the all-time iconic moments' – Tributes pour in as Scottish athletics legend dies SCOTTISH athletics legend Lachie Stewart has sadly passed away at the age of 81. The running great's career highlight came when he won the 10,000m at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. 3 Lachie Stewart winning gold at the 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games Credit: Getty 3 It was a massive moment for Scottish sport on home soil Credit: Getty 3 And tributes have come in from near and far after his sad death Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd Scottish Athletics described it as 'one of the all-time iconic moments for athletics in Scotland'. Stewart also competed at two other Commonwealth Games in Jamaica and New Zealand and also ran for Team GB at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. The Alexandria athlete – whose full name was Joseph Laughlin Stewart – stayed in the sport after having up his spikes, and was often seen presenting medals at events. He was voted into the Scottish Athletics' Hall of Fame in 2018 and is also in the wider Scottish Sports equivalent. Lachlan's son, Glen, shared the news of his dad's sad passing in hospital in Paisley after a short illness, adding that 'his hardest race has now been run and he will be greatly missed'. And the announcement brought tributes from far and wide. Scottish Athletics said: 'Everyone at Scottish athletics and within our community sends our thoughts at this sad time to Lachie's family and his many friends across the sport.' One admirer harked back to that famous day in 1970 as they wrote: 'I still remember that great race when he won the gold medal at the Commonwealth games.' The Scottish Running podcast said: 'They don't make 'em like that anymore. Legend & gentleman.' And Tricia Marwick, the former Presiding Officer at the Scottish Parliament, paid her own tribute. She wrote: 'Sad news. 'Next Usain Bolt' Gout Gout, 17, runs blistering sub-10sec 100m twice in same day 'I watched Lachie Stewart win the Commonwealth Gold medal on TV in 1970 in Edinburgh. "I was so proud. Thanks for such wonderful memories.' And athletics photographer Bobby Gavin said: 'Never meet your heroes? "After watching the 1970 Commonwealth Games this awestruck wee boy approached the Gold Medalist at Shotts Highland Games. 'He was polite and friendly, and in 2021 could still tell me the route & time. RIP Lachie, you were a catalyst for a love of athletics.' One athletics fan commented: 'Was in the Meadowbank Stadium with my Dad when Lachie Stewart won the gold medal at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games in 1970. 'A fantastic Scottish sporting memory. RIP Lachie and thank you.' Another well-wisher added: 'Sorry to hear of the passing of the great Lachie Stewart, Commonwealth gold winner 10,000m at Edinburgh 1970. 'Had the pleasure of meeting him when I worked in Maritime Heritage. 'He was a superb builder of model ships (superb doesn't do them justice). An absolute gentleman.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
‘Overjoyed': Beloved Aussie influencer announces pregnancy
Business owner and influencer Jade Brycki has announced she is pregnant with her second child. The 30-year-old and her husband Lachie — who welcomed son Fletcher less than one year ago — broke the news to their more than 600,000 Instagram followers on Tuesday afternoon. 'Lach, fletch and I are overjoyed to share that our little family will be growing this December 🥹❤️,' the couple captioned three adorable photos of Jade's bump. Friends and followers flocked to the comments to congratulate the young family on their exciting news. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. 'DARLING!!!! Crying. So happy for you. Ugh x,' Perth influencer Em Davies wrote. TV presenter Abbey Gelmi wrote: 'Oh honey congratulations.' '🥹🫶🏼 so happy for you guys,' podcaster and health influencer Steph Claire Smith added. The happy couple tied the knot in October 2022 and now work together on a podcast called Mad About You where they discuss all things about relationships. They also own clothing brand Tunchy wear.
NZ Herald
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Six Notable New Zealanders On How They Met Their Best Friends
From culinary school to music video shoots, these New Zealanders share the beginnings of friendships that have gone the distance. How did you meet your best friend? Maybe you were strangers seated next to each other on a plane and got chatting during the flight. Maybe you met while waiting in line outside a concert or in university halls, or you've known each other since the first day of primary school. Some friends are part of your life just for a season. Some childhood friendships run their course and you naturally grow apart. Some arrive at just the right time to help you navigate change or a new challenge. Here, several New Zealanders share the stories behind how they met the person they call their best friend. Coast's Toni Street and Sophie Braggins Toni, how did you meet Sophie? Sophie and I met at Highlands Intermediate in New Plymouth in 1996. She was a new girl to the school and was in the same class as some of my other friends. Soph stood out because she was so much taller than everyone else, and had long limbs like a grasshopper. She also had really blonde hair, so you could easily pick her in a crowd. I remember thinking she looked athletic and I was secretly hoping she was a good netballer to join our 'A' team, but alas she was a gun hockey player, haha. How long have you been friends? We've been friends since intermediate in 1996, so nearly 30 years. What's your favourite thing about your best friend? There are so many things I love about Sophie, but one of my favourite things is how consistent and level she is. She's the type of friend that always keeps connected, whether that's via a call, text or a visit – she really makes the effort. The most recent example of this was just last month. I was staying in New Plymouth with her family, and sitting on my bed when I arrived was a handwritten note telling me how proud she was of me and why she valued our friendship. There was also a container of creatine for me to start taking to combat my peri-menopause symptoms, haha (she's definitely the health nut in our friendship). What's one of the best memories you share? Undoubtedly, the most special memory we share is the day my son Lachie was born. Sophie gave my husband Matt and me the extremely selfless gift of being our surrogate, and those moments when Lachie came into the world are hard to put into words. It's the greatest gift a friend could ever give. When it comes to an earlier memory? Standing on the New Plymouth Girls' High School stage as year 10s singing Natalie Imbruglia's Torn for the talent quest is seared into my memory. Julia, how did you meet Simone? We met in 2016, working side by side at another PR agency. What started with a shared desk and a few knowing glances across WIPs quickly evolved into a friendship built on mutual respect, shared values, and plenty of laughs. A few years later, we took the leap and started our own agency [Lomas Kerr]. It takes a particular kind of friendship to withstand the pressures of running a business together, and ours has only grown stronger. What were your first impressions of each other? Simone radiates warmth, the kind that instantly puts people at ease. From day one, she made me feel truly seen and heard. That deep empathy hasn't just shaped how we show up as friends, but also how we lead our business. We're both grounded, fiercely hardworking, and honest. We balance each other's energy, skills, and emotions (me being the more sensitive of the two!). And as two mums running a business, emotional support isn't a nice-to-have, it's essential. How long have you been friends? Almost a decade! What's your favourite thing about your best friend? Her resilience. Simone moves through life with grace, humour, and a heart that leads every decision. She has this way of lifting people up just by being herself, kind, clever, and quietly powerful. What's one of the best memories you share? The day we decided to start our own agency. Equal parts thrilling and terrifying, it was a bold leap into the unknown, but one I never questioned for a second, because it was with Simone. That decision marked the start of something far bigger than business: it was the beginning of building something truly meaningful, together. Bar Magda's Carlo Buenaventura and Chino Salazar Carlo, how did you meet Chino? Chino (from Moreno cafe) and I went to the same culinary school back in the Philippines. Both not being from Manila, we didn't have a direct inner circle. I was slightly ahead so I already had friends and he didn't, so I made friends with him – just kidding. It was October 2008 when their batch started and one of my mates invited the new class to join us for drinks when classes were done. We were more like acquaintances before, then became really good friends over time. I moved to New Zealand in 2010, then he did around 2011 or 2012, I believe. What were your first impressions of each other? He was pretty confident and fresh, he knows that and we often laugh about it because my mates sort of gave him a bit of a bollocking that first time we all hung out. But I soon came to realise that he's just a really friendly and social guy. He thought I was quite normal and sane, but he soon realised how annoying I am – I'm like that with my close friends. How long have you been friends? We've been friends since I was 8, so 17 years now. What's your favourite thing about your best friend? Honestly and loyalty are both important. Friends are your next closest support group outside of your family. Having someone that knows how to boost your morale but also knows to tell you when you are not in the right is so crucial for personal growth. We often make friends with different people along the way, but it's important to value the years of friendship that you've forged with someone. We've had each other's back - at times it's been tested, but the idea of knowing how much we value each other always outweighs the situation. What's one of the best memories you share? A notable one would be his wedding day. I called him 'groomzilla' because he was more stressed out than Demi. It's all because he wanted the best for her. To witness and be a part of that next chapter in their lives is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Chino has a big heart and I know his love for Demi would go as far as travelling to the Moon and back. He sets the example for unconditional love, not just for Demi but for his family and everyone that matters to him. And for that I love him like my own brother! Photographer Rob Tennent, Ash Williams and Josiah Kennerley Rob, how did you meet Ash? Ash I met on set for a music video for Benee. We met at the fitting and she dropped me home. We were pretty much inseparable from that moment. Jo and I knew each other for a while before he moved into my flat in Auckland - it was really from there that we became besties. What were your first impressions of each other? She was a party girl and I was a party boy, it was a match made. She is so confident, silly and doesn't take things too seriously and it was refreshing. Jo and I had the same love for the outdoors, which is hugely integrated into our friendship. How long have you been friends? I have known Ash for 4 years, and Jo for 7. We all live together now. What's your favourite thing about your best friend? Ash – Her ability to talk about literally anything. Jo – His baking. What's one of the best memories you share? I can't share a lot of them, but we recently went away for New Year and just spent a lot of time doing nothing. A lot of my best memories with these two are just the little in-between moments. Bar Celeste's Emma Olgivie and Keelan Bowkett Assaf Emma, how did you meet Keelan? We met at Bar Celeste not long after it opened. Keelan and her partner Elie were regulars, and it didn't take long before we became fast friends. What were your first impressions of each other? We clicked instantly … one of those rare, easy friendships that feels like family right from the start. How long have you been friends? Five years now. What's your favourite thing about your best friend? She's endlessly caring, fiercely loyal and a lot of fun. She also always knows how to gas me up when I need it most. What's one of the best memories you share? Shared summer holidays filled with incredible food, endless wine, and so much laughter. Herald Lifestyle editor Stephanie Holmes, Deborah Ball and Amy Cown Stephanie, how did you meet Deborah and Amy? We met in the UK, on our first day of university. We were all studying the same degree and, in our first seminar, our lecturer asked us to introduce ourselves to the people sitting next to us. Deb was the first person I spoke to, and I instantly knew I wanted to be her friend. We met Amy later that day in the place all great friendships began in the 90s – the smoking area outside uni. What were your first impressions of each other? There was an instant bond between us all – I was attracted to their intelligence, their sense of humour, and fun, kind, caring personalities. Deb was really cool and worldly, having lived in lots of different countries growing up – and she was effortlessly stylish (and still is). Amy was hilarious and well-connected in Cambridge, the city our university was in, so introduced us to lots of new people and places. How long have you been friends? More than 25 years. The most unusual thing about our friendship is that only five of those years saw us living in the same country. I took off travelling a year after university and never returned, so we have been living on the other side of the world from each other for more than 20 years. If we're lucky, we see each other once a year, but our friendship is still as strong as ever, despite the distance. What are your favourite things about your best friends? They know me better than I know myself. They celebrate my successes and encourage the very best in me. They know all my flaws and love me regardless. They're there for me whenever I need them, even though we live in different countries, different time zones. Essentially, they're the loves of my life. What's one of the best memories you share? A couple of years ago I was in Italy for work, and Amy and Deb met me at the end for a few days of holiday. We were on the Amalfi Coast, but the weather was horrendous so we couldn't do many of the things we'd planned. It really didn't matter. Having that time together was invaluable – walking, eating, drinking, chatting, laughing, crying. I felt so proud of how far we have all come in life since we first met. The Social Kitchen: Meet The Book Club Forged In Food & Friendship. This group of women catch up once a month to chat over their latest read alongside a meal. Best Buddies: Pua Magasiva & Sela Alo. The radio hosts open up about how they met and what they've learned from each other. In A Cost-Of-Living Crisis, Should You Pay For Your Friends To Get Married? Weddings are getting more and more expensive - not just for couples, but for their guests.
Herald Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Top Australian suburbs where homeowners are renovating instead of moving
Craigieburn has emerged as Australia's top renovation hotspot, with locals borrowing big to upgrade. More Aussie homeowners are staying put and putting their efforts into turning their kitchens, backyards and garages into DIY gold. New figures from digital lender MoneyMe show and Craigieburn in Melbourne's north has claimed the title of the nation's renovation capital, topped the list for personal renovation loan applications, with locals borrowing an average of $22,400 to upgrade rather than relocate. It's a trend sweeping the country, as homeowners in Western Sydney, South East Queensland and coastal Western Australia opt to improve instead of upsize, spurred on by steep property prices, rising stamp duty and soaring relocation costs. RELATED: 8m Aussies' shockingly low amount in bank Asian mural creates backyard resort-style oasis at Melb home Shock move in Melbourne home prices revealed According to Hipages data, extension jobs have jumped by 37 per cent in New South Wales, while granny flat builds are up 20 per cent nationally in the past 12 months to January 2025. Ikea kitchen installations are also booming — up 23 per cent in NSW, 32 per cent in WA, and 12 per cent in Victoria — as homeowners choose affordable renovations over high-end overhauls. NSW led the nation for both the value and volume of personal renovation loans, with the average size hitting $22,640. Homeowners investing in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor spaces instead. Picture Lachie Millard ABS figures show the total average home renovation loan in the state climbed to $225,664, up nearly $20,000 in just a year. Hipages chief revenue officer Robert Tolliday said the trend reflected a mix of financial pressure and lifestyle changes. 'We're seeing a real surge in jobs like kitchen upgrades and granny flats targeted improvements that make a big difference without the cost of moving,' Mr Tolliday said. 'The transaction costs involved with relocating such as stamp duty, agents' fees, (and) legal costs all add up. For many people, it's just smarter to stay put and invest in what you already have. Young families are leading the renovation wave in growth suburbs like Point Cook, VIC and Blacktown, NSW. 'Granny flats in particular are growing fast. People are using them for elderly parents, adult kids, or even as rental income, they're a really flexible solution.' Mr Tolliday said the appetite for affordable, high-impact upgrades like Ikea kitchens was particularly strong in outer metro suburbs. In Victoria, Ikea kitchen installs rose 12 per cent, while extension and addition jobs fell 3 per cent, bucking the national trend. Renovation activity remained strongest in Craigieburn, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing, along with Bayside and Melbourne's southeast. Western Sydney suburbs including Blacktown and Parramatta are seeing a surge in renovation demand. In Queensland, the most in-demand areas were the Gold Coast, Brisbane North and South, Sunshine Coast, and the Redcliffe and Caboolture regions. MoneyMe chief sales and marketing officer Richard Bray said renovation loans were becoming especially popular with younger buyers in outer-suburban growth corridors. 'Many first-home buyers can't afford the perfect home straight away, so they buy something affordable and renovate as they go,' Mr Bray said. 'We're seeing this trend particularly in fringe suburbs, where buyers are picking up homes with potential, then funding upgrades like bathrooms, kitchens and landscaping.' New data shows homeowners are borrowing an average of $22,000 to fund home improvement projects. In Craigieburn, Ray White auctioneer Trish Orrico said renovation was simply part of the local mindset. 'It's a great area, I've lived here for 18 years and renovated my own home. I've chosen to improve rather than move,' Ms Orrico said. 'There's still land being released and it's not a fully established market yet, but once it is, I think we'll see even stronger capital growth. Buyers' advocate and host of The Buyers Bible podcast Amy Lunardi said more clients were becoming cautious about large-scale renovations but still keen to add value where they could. In southeast Queensland, renovation activity is rising as locals upgrade homes instead of relocating. Photo: Adam Yip 'With the cost of building so high, many buyers now prefer homes that have already been renovated,' Ms Lunardi said. 'That said, if the layout and size are right, and it's in the right location, people are happy to do cosmetic updates later, just not the big structural stuff.' From paintbrushes to power drills, Australians are transforming their homes one upgrade at a time. But Ms Lunardi warned that many Australians still underestimate how much time and money renovating really takes. 'Television shows make it look easy, but it's often a longer and more expensive process than people expect,' she said. 'I always tell clients to research costs and timelines properly, especially if they plan to live through the works.' Average renovation loan size by state and national demand share State Average Loan Size (MoneyMe) Loan Demand Share (MoneyMe) Ikea Kitchen Install Growth Extension Job Growth Granny Flat Job Growth New South Wales $22,640 28% 23% 37% 20% Victoria $22,491 27% 12% -3% 20% Queensland $20,677 21% N/A 20% 20% All Other States $20,772 24% +32% (WA) +36% (WA), -24% (SA) 20% Source: MoneyMe personal loan data and Hipages renovation job posting trends. Top 10 Aussie suburbs for home renovation loan applications Rank Suburb State 1 Craigieburn VIC 2 Point Cook VIC 3 Hoppers Crossing VIC 4 Cranbourne VIC 5 Alexandra QLD 6 Campbelltown NSW 7 Liverpool NSW 8 Blacktown NSW 9 Box Hill NSW 10 Frankston VIC Source: MoneyMe analysis of suburb-level personal loan applications for home renovations. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: 8m Aussies' shockingly low amount in bank Asian mural creates backyard resort-style oasis at Melb home Shock move in Melbourne home prices revealed
