Island Games: Lindsay On Orkney Goals
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Gayle Lindsay hopes to leave Bermuda with the perfect parting gift: a medal at the International Island Games in Orkney, Scotland.
The three-time Bermuda Day Half-Marathon champion is set to represent Bermuda at her third Island Games, having previously competed in Jersey [2015] and Gotland [2017].
This time, she will race in the 10,000 metres and the half-marathon – with her focus firmly on the latter.
“While I enjoy the 10k, it’s on the track – 25 laps – which is a mental hurdle for me,” Lindsay told Bernews.
“I’ve never raced that distance in that format before. The half-marathon feels like a better fit for where I am right now.”
Buoyed by her third consecutive Bermuda Day title and believing she is in the best shape of her life, Lindsay is setting her sights high.
“I’d love to finish on the podium, but I know how strong the competition will be,” she said.
“If I can come away with a personal best in either event, I’ll consider that a huge success. Ultimately, I just want to give everything I’ve got and make Bermuda proud.”
The Island Games hold a special place in Lindsay’s heart, not just as a competition, but as a celebration of community and camaraderie among athletes from small islands.
“It’s such a unique event – for many of us, it’s the highest level of international competition we can access without qualifying for something like the Commonwealth Games,” she said.
“I’m really excited to represent Bermuda again, be part of the team, and soak in that incredible atmosphere.”
Following the Games, Lindsay will return to her native Scotland – a move she describes as bittersweet.
“After 12 incredible years, it feels almost poetic to compete for Bermuda in Scotland, just as I prepare to move back,” she said.
“The support I’ve received here has been overwhelming. Leaving Bermuda is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.”
Lindsay will be based in Perth initially and has big plans for the next chapter of her journey – including a training trip to Kenya and a new role as a running coach.
“I’m heading to Kenya at the end of July for a few weeks of training, which I’m really excited about,” she said.
“I’m starting a new chapter as a coach, and I want to immerse myself in different training philosophies – not just to improve personally, but to better support the athletes I’ll be working with.”
Bermuda athletics team: Sean Trott, Gayle Lindsay, Jake Brislane and Philip Woolins. Coach: Tony Bean
