Commonwealth Games Champion Ross Murdoch Meets Biggest Fan
STIRLING, Scotland, August 29. COMMONWEALTH Games champion Ross Murdoch became an instant hero the moment he won the 200 breaststroke in Glasgow last month. Today, he met one of his biggest fans, a five-year-old who wrote a letter that sparked a Twitter craze.
Brian Fitzpatrick wrote a letter to Murdoch claiming that he was the biggest fan of the double Commonwealth Games medalist. Neither Brian nor his parents knew Murdoch’s address, so the envelope was addressed simply: “Ross Murdoch, Commonwealth champion, Balloch.” Thanks to the help of the Scottish mail system, Murdoch received the letter. Unfortunately, no return address was on the envelope, so Murdoch took to Twitter to help locate Brian and arrange a personal meet-and-greet.
RT&help me find 5yo Brian who sent me this amazing letter! I'd love to meet him and show him around where I train 🙂 pic.twitter.com/ZfBIsl6z8o
— Ross Murdoch (@RossMurdoch_) August 27, 2014
It only took a day – and 1,300 retweets – for the two to connect at the University of Stirling, where Murdoch trains. Brian got to see the gold medal that Murdoch won in the 200 breaststroke in Glasgow, as well as the bronze medal Murdoch earned in the 50 breast. According to the BBC, Brian got a few pointers on swimming technique from Murdoch before the two competed head-to-head in a race that spanned just four meters, or the width of two lanes in the pool. Brian won by a hand’s length, much to Murdoch’s playful show of dismay.
“@cr_fitz: @RossMurdoch_ #beenabusyday pic.twitter.com/jcXz6bMGnP” Wee Brian is knackered after our race!
— Ross Murdoch (@RossMurdoch_) August 29, 2014
Click here to watch the video report from the BBC.
Click here to view Markus Stitz’s photos chronicling Brian’s big day