A second Commonwealth Games final will see a swimmer from the Western Isles lining up on the blocks this evening (Tuesday 2 August).

Kara Hanlon of Stornoway earned her place in tonight’s 100m women’s breaststroke final as the eighth fastest swimmer in last night’s semi-finals, after coming within half a second of her own Scottish record in the heats.

She’ll be competing alongside two of the mightiest swimming nations, Australia and South Africa, who have three swimmers apiece in the race. The additional place is taken by England’s Molly Renshaw.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's sports facilities services manager Tony Wade posted congratulations on the Lewis Sports Centre Facebook page, but today told welovestornoway.com that Kara’s place in history has already been assured with two places in Commonwealth Games swimming finals.

He said: “Sport is a very unforgiving and competitive environment where it can seem to be all about winning, especially in swimming where there are massive nations like South Africa and Australia competing.

“But you have to see the bigger picture in terms of achievement. Achieving a place in two finals, holding her own against swimmers from all these nations, achieving a personal best time in heats – we are all incredibly proud of Kara and send her our best wishes for tonight’s final.”

Kara carries with her the best wishes of many in the Western Isles who will be glued to their sets this evening at 7.07pm, when the coverage of her race will be on BBC and iPlayer.

Comhairle convenor Kenny Macleod earlier said: “We are running out of superlatives for Kara and we wish her all the best as she continues to represent her country and her islands wherever she goes.”

The picture is from Scottish Swimming.