50 years ago - Falkirk Flyer Bobby wins first gold medal

Falkirk Flyer Bobby McGregor finally realised his dream in the swimming pool 50 years ago this week '“ by winning an international gold medal.
Bobby McGregor received a hero's welcome when he returned from the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 with a silver medalBobby McGregor received a hero's welcome when he returned from the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 with a silver medal
Bobby McGregor received a hero's welcome when he returned from the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 with a silver medal

Swimming legend McGregor MBE, who won a silver medal in the 100m freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, finally got his hands on a gold medal in the European Championships in Holland.

Here’s an extract from the Herald’s report in our August 27, 1966 edition: “Bobby M’Gregor has brought distinction to Falkirk and Scotland with his prowess as a swimmer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He has collected many medals but, until this week, a particular award has eluded him – an international gold medal.

“At last an ambition has been realised and his friends will share in the pleasure of his victory in the European Championships at Utrecht.

“In the last Olympic Games he had to be content with a silver medal, and a similar placing in the commonwealth Games at Kingston, Jamaica, when he was beaten literally by a touch.

“But he left no doubt his ranking in Europe with his decisive win in Holland after Scotland’s poor Commonwealth Games.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Within the space of weeks in 1966, Bobby had won a Commonwealth silver, the European gold and then broke his own world record for the 110 yards at the British Championships in 53.3 seconds.

A true Falkirk legend.