Southend AC's Mitchell Wilkin made a triumphant international debut for Scotland at the Celtic Games in Tullamore, Ireland.

Mitchell won the under-17 long jump against lads from Ulster, Wales and Ireland with a leap of 6.78m. This was more than 40cm ahead of his nearest rival.

His winning jump was achieved in rather wet conditions, but nevertheless was one of his best jumps this season. Had better weather prevailed, he may have threatened the Games record of 6.92m.

In representing Scotland, Mitchell follows the footsteps of his cousin Mitchell Smith, who competed for Scotland at junior mens level in the mid 1980s and still holds the junior mens shot putt record for Scotland.

Published Monday August 12, 2002

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