A University of Stirling maths student is counting the days to the start of the Commonwealth Games 2014 on July 23rd.

Triathlete Marc Austin (20), who has secured financial support from Scottish independent accountancy firm Campbell Dallas LLP, now hopes he can claim gold as one of 310 athletes in Team Scotland. Marc has been running for a decade and has been competing in athletics seriously since the age of 15 and grew up next door to Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, which will host Team Scotland’s training camp. Marc said: “There has been a seven year build up for me towards Glasgow 2014. Ever since the Games were confirmed I hoped I would compete. Knowing I could be racing in front of a home crowd gave me a massive incentive.

“I’ve been going to the Scotstoun Stadium since the age of four when I started football classes. Having events taking place right next to where I grew up brings it so close to home.” As well as a gruelling training regime Marc has managed to fit in studying and has just completed the third year of an undergraduate degree in mathematics.

He continued: “My training has been full on, with early morning swims and cycles before breakfast. I’m getting fitter all the time and feeling ready. I use the facilities at my university and around my local area for preparation. I’ve been ramping up training since February to ensure I have reached my fitness peak by the time the Games come along. The triathlon is a challenging event but I enjoy all elements of it, particularly running as it comes at the end of the race!” Marc became associated with Campbell Dallas due to a shared interest with tax partner, Aileen Scott, who is part of the same triathlon club in Glasgow.

She added: “We are delighted that Marc has been selected to compete in Glasgow 2014. The dedication of all young athletes taking part should not be underestimated. We are proud to be associated with such a truly gifted and driven individual and wish him all the best in the triathlon event. We’re used to focusing on people development internally and we’re pleased to extend this into the Glasgow community. We look forward to seeing him seize the opportunities Glasgow 2014 is sure to bring and will be behind him all the way.”