Fettes at the Olympics

Sport has always played an important role in the life of Fettes, so it comes as no surprise that some of our OFs have gone on to become Olympians. As the sporting world looks to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan (23rd July – 8th August) at time of print, we take a look at the OFs and staff that have either represented their country at the Olympics or are looking forward to doing so in Tokyo.

Ian Bowhill MBE (Gl 1917–1920) (Deceased) represented Great Britain in the Men’s Singles Figure Skating at the 1928 Winter Olympics, St. Moritz, Switzerland, finishing in 14th place.

Dr Ewan Douglas (Gl 1936–1940) (Deceased) represented Great Britain in the Men’s Hammer Throw at the Summer Olympics of 1948 and 1952. During his athletic career, he set three British records, with his third record in 1955 (58.68 m) standing as a Scottish national record for 12 years.

A. Fergus Murray (Staff 1967–1997) represented Great Britain in the 10,000m at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Fergus shared his thoughts with us ahead of Tokyo 2020: “I was very disappointed coming 22nd as I was suffering from a cold. However, the Olympic experience was magnificent and unlike nowadays, there was little security and a very relaxed and informal atmosphere. We shared 4 to a room and they were never locked. Lynn Davies had his long jump gold medal sitting openly on his table although I didn't share a room with him.

“In my early years at Fettes on the staff, the College were very supportive in enabling me to continue running at a high level up to and beyond the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

“I am not sure how I feel about the 2020 Olympics taking place in Tokyo with the constraints and confinements. We were able to explore Tokyo after competing and also train in the adjacent Meiji Park.”

Fiona McIntosh (Ca 1976–1978) represented Great Britain in Fencing at the Summer Olympics of 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996. At the Barcelona Olympic Games held in 1992, Fiona reached the quarter finals of the Foil, the best result for a British female since 1956.

Lizzie Goodburn (née Crichton) (CW 1993–1998) represented Great Britain in the rowing team at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. We caught up with Lizzie about her experience: “I felt very proud, excited and a bit nervous to be representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games. I was also delighted by all the new kit emblazoned with Union Jacks. However, as the sports psychologists told us, you have to try to put the pageantry out of your head and focus on winning your races. Luckily, the rowing competition concludes in the first week of the Olympic schedule so there is plenty of time in the second week for 'rest and relaxation'!

“Without a doubt Fettes helped in my journey to the Olympics in so many ways. Fettes gives you the opportunity to try so many things, academic and extra-curricular so you can find your place to excel. My classmates are lifelong friends and have been a constant source of support and encouragement. Boarding taught me resilience and independence, as well as allowing me in the CW kitchen to perfect the art of making instant noodles with a three-round marmite toast chaser – a skill that certainly proved useful after particularly hard training sessions.

“Lacrosse was my best sport at Fettes – I have lots of memories of glorious muddy victories and equally muddy crushing defeats. I have very fond memories of the many teachers who gave their time to coaching us and driving all around Scotland to matches. I will also never forget the bone-chilling fear of the inter-house cross-country and mile relay – let's just say I'm better at sitting down sports than ones that involve running!

“In the Olympic year I was lucky enough to be able to call rowing my full-time job. We had three training sessions a day, one at 8am, another mid-morning and another mid-afternoon, a mixture of on-the-water sessions, strength work and the dreaded ergo machine. At the time I just got on with it, in hindsight I can't believe I managed it, especially the dark winter mornings on the Thames brushing the ice off the oars.”

Lizzie Goodburn

Katherine Douglas and Jake Wightman are both current Olympians

Katherine Douglas (Inv-CW 2000–2007) will be representing Team GB Rowing in the Women's Eight at the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics. Katherine’s first GB international outing was in 2011 when she raced in the Women’s Eight at the World Rowing U23 Championships in Amsterdam, finishing fifth. As part of the Team GB Women’s Eight she has gained many achievements including winning silver and bronze in the World Cup series, finishing fifth at the 2017 World Rowing Championships and finishing second at the 2018 European Championships in Glasgow. We wish her all the best for Tokyo from all within the Fettes community.

Katherine Douglas with her fellow Great British Rowing team members

Susan Wightman (Staff 2007–2013) represented Great Britain in the marathon at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul finishing 12th in a time of 2:31.33 – “Running in the Olympics was a life-time experience and one of my greatest memories in my running career. Just prior to the Olympics, ironically, we stayed in a holding camp in Tokyo for two weeks. My fondest memory of the Games was coming into the stadium full of spectators, knowing that I only had just under a lap of the track to run. The conditions were hot and very humid – the race started at 7.30am to minimise the effects on the athletes. It was a gruelling race and it was such an elation to cross the finish line.

“I have always thought that sport at Fettes is inclusive and the vast range of activities offered allows all students to find something that suits them. I have seen sport at Fettes go from strength to strength over the last decade and it is heart-warming to see how passionate the students feel about representing the school.

“If I was still competing today, I would feel so grateful and relieved that the Olympics are going ahead although disappointed that I would miss out on the full experience of a proper Olympics. Without spectators, and not being able to watch and cheer other team members, the games will lack atmosphere. However, it is still the pinnacle for all sports and the best sportsmen and women in the world will be there to compete for those precious medals.

“As Jake Wightman’s (Gl 2008–2012) mother, I am both excited and nervous about him competing in the Olympics. I know as part of the GB team in Tokyo, Jake will run to his capability and ‘be the best he can be’!”

Susan Wightman

Jake Wightman (Gl 2008–2012), son of Susan Wightman, is representing Great Britain on the running track in this year’s Olympic Games. We spoke to him ahead of Tokyo: “Representing your country at the Olympic Games is the highest honour you can receive in my sport. It's an achievement which is recognised not just by the athletics community, but by everybody. I feel very proud to be able to say I’m an Olympian and it’s a badge of honour that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life.

“I think Fettes helps you develop a strong work ethic and discipline across all aspects of your life. This has allowed me to give the highest level of commitment possible to succeed with my running. Fettes was also the first time I was exposed to strength and conditioning as well as nutritional help through the Elite Athlete Programme whilst I was there. These formed the foundations of what have become significant parts of my training and lifestyle.

“My strongest memory of sport at Fettes is Sports Day. For me this is probably because it was a chance to showcase our ability if we did athletics, but I also love the fact you see everybody giving their best to pick up points for their House, even if it's in an event they've never done before. One of the great things about Fettes is the huge range of sports you can try whilst you are there. It gives every student a chance to find something they can be successful at, but more importantly enjoy.

“Training during the pandemic has been a lot more difficult than it would normally be. We have had to be adaptable in where we can train as there's been long periods without access to a gym or a track. We also haven't been able to go on our normal training camps abroad throughout the year. It's all been about making the most out of what we have been able to do and being as proactive as possible to the changes that have occurred.”

Jake Wightman

We wish him all the best from all within the Fettes community.