Judy Mackenzie sends the photo above of the Scottish team and support staff outside the curling rink in Prague where the World Wheelchair Curling Championship has been played over the last week. Aileen Neilson's team beat Norway this morning in the semifinal. Guaranteed of at least silver, the Scots went up against Canada, undefeated in the championship so far, in the final.The Canadians, skipped by Jim Armstrong, won through, taking the gold medals. Aileen Neilson, Tom Killin, Gregor Ewan, Angie Malone and Mike McKenzie will bring home the silver medals!
They will be disappointed perhaps, but what a great performance. Aileen, although she has played last stones before, was skipping for the first time at the Worlds, the only female skip in the competition.
Norway beat Russia in the bronze medal game.
Scotland's place in next year's world championship has been secured. The World Wheelchair Curling Championship 2012 will be held in Uiam Ice Rink, Chuncheon City, South Korea, February 18-25, 2012.
Judy said before the final, "Regardless of what happens today, Team Scotland with Sheila (Swan) in charge, have been playing a blinder! Fantastic stuff, great shot making, great team spirit and up for it."
Scotland is proud of a great performance. Special mention to coach Sheila Swan who looked after the preparation of the team in the run up to the championship, and then guided them through it, with National Wheelchair Coach in waiting, Tony Zummack, still not able to take over the squad because of visa delays. But well done to all involved, including the back up team.
The linescore of the final, and all the results, are here, and there are photo galleries here.
Added later: Read the report, with quotes from Aileen, on the Royal Club website here.
Photo courtesy of Judy Mackenzie
