A WEST FIFE track star has set his sights on being in the mix to enjoy a golden Commonwealth Youth Games.

Caleb McLeod, who is a member of Pitreavie AAC, is one of 49 athletes that are representing Team Scotland at this year’s event, which is taking place in Trinidad and Tobago.

The 17-year-old, who will compete in the 800 metres, is one of eight teenagers picked for athletics events, which also includes training group pal, Reiss Marshall (pictured with Caleb).

Glenrothes-based Reiss, 16, who will run in the 3,000m, is a member of Fife AC, and the duo work with coach, Steve Doig, who also coaches Paralympic T20 1500m champion, Owen Miller, and recently-crowned Para Athletics World Championship T20 1500m gold medallist, Ben Sandilands.

Caleb and Reiss jetted out with Team Scotland last week ahead of the opening ceremony for the seventh edition of the Games – the first having been held in Edinburgh in 2000 – taking place last Friday.

Speaking to Press Sport in the build-up to the competition, Caleb said: “It only became really apparent to me (to earn selection) maybe at the start of the year because, before that, I didn’t really feel like I’d have too much chance of getting in.

“But, at the start of the year, I ran some good times indoors, and began to believe I could maybe get there.

“It’s the biggest thing for both of us. At this stage in our career, this is really as high as we can get to at this point, the youth Commonwealth.

“Obviously, everyone wants to win the gold when you go away. Someone would be lying to you if they told you they weren’t!

“For me, my main focus is getting to the final to begin with and, once I get there, I can worry about the final after that. The main aim is to make the final and to see where that goes from there.

“The focus for this specifically came when our deadline day hit, and we got that phone call saying we were selected. From there, it’s been focussed on this race. This is the biggest race we’re going to get, and we only get one shot at it.

“If you mess up, you don’t get to do it again!”

Reiss, who goes straight into the 3,000m final on Thursday, with Caleb’s initial 800m heat taking place tomorrow (Wednesday) commented: “Personally, for me, it’s executing the right race, to be honest. Whatever happens medal wise is just what happens. I’m trying not to think about it, because then I feel in the instance of something not quite perfect happening in the race, it can play on your mind a bit too much.

“Especially for a long race like 3k, it’s a mental battle from gun to tape, so I think executing the right race for me, and just being laser focused the whole time, is the most important thing.”

The Games are due to close on Friday.