Bakkafrost Scotland Supports Kara Hanlon’s Commonwealth Aspirations

Kara Hanlon, an outstanding swimmer from the Western Isles, is making waves once more as she sets her sights on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Having made history in Birmingham four years ago as the first swimmer from her region to compete at the Games, Kara is keen to represent Scotland again on familiar turf.

Bakkafrost Scotland Steps Up

Leading salmon producer Bakkafrost Scotland, a key employer in Kara’s native Western Isles, has announced its commitment to supporting her journey through its Community Fund. This initiative focuses on enhancing health and wellbeing in the rural communities where its workforce resides.

The funding will assist Kara in managing the costs associated with her rigorous training schedule, including travel and other related expenses. This support is particularly meaningful given the challenges faced by athletes from rural backgrounds.

A Journey from Lewis to the Commonwealth

Kara’s journey began in a modest 12.5-meter swimming pool on the Isle of Lewis, significantly smaller than the facilities many of her peers on the mainland enjoyed. Despite this, her remarkable talent propelled her to make history in 2022, as she became the first swimmer from the Western Isles to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.

Now, with the next Commonwealth Games set to take place in Glasgow, Kara hopes to earn her spot on Team Scotland. Qualifying would not only be a monumental achievement but would also serve as a way for her to overcome the disappointment of narrowly missing out on a spot in the GB Olympic team for Paris 2024 by just 0.06 seconds.

Home Support Makes a Difference

“The fact the Commonwealth Games is taking place on home soil makes it even more special for all of the Team Scotland athletes,” Kara expressed. “If I qualify, I will be the first swimmer from the Western Isles to represent her country in two successive Commonwealth Games, performing in front of a Scottish crowd. It would be such an honor for me to do that.”

Emphasizing her pride in her roots, she added, “I hope I can inspire others from rural communities that it is possible to dream big, even if access to facilities may not always be quite the same as for those living in the central belt.”

Ambitious Training Ahead

As she prepares for Glasgow 2026, Kara’s schedule is packed. She will participate in various competitions, including tournaments in Luxembourg and Edinburgh, leading up to the critical GB Aquatics Championships in London this April, which will ultimately determine her selection for the Games.

Building Community Ties

Bakkafrost Scotland has established strong ties with sports in the Western Isles, having previously sponsored the Western Isles Island Games Association squad at the International Island Games in Orkney last summer. Kara notably secured five medals, including four golds, during that event. Additionally, a new partnership was formed between Bakkafrost’s flagship product, Native Hebridean, and the swimming team.

Support from Bakkafrost

Ian Laister, Managing Director of Bakkafrost Scotland, praised Kara’s accomplishments and ambitions, stating, “Kara is an inspirational figure for everyone in the Western Isles, and we wish her the best of luck as she bids to achieve her Commonwealth Games dream. We understand how challenging it is for athletes to fund their training and competition costs, and we are proud to support Kara on her journey.”

Main Image © Bakkafrost Scotland

For more information, visit Bakkafrost Scotland News.