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2022

Issue 2

Birmingham 2022 12 Page Preview The official magazine for members of scottishathletics

04 Contacts scottishathletics 05 From the CEO Colin Hutchison 06 News: Athletics Trust Scotland 07 News: Eleven for Eugene 08 Tru Wealth Scottish 10k Road Champs 10 Loughborough International 12 Muller British Champs 15 Birmingham 2022: Our 12-Page Preview

21 Meet Team Scotland 22 Eilidh Doyle 24 Oﬃcially brilliant – the Nisbets 26 Birmingham-bound with big ambitions 28 PB Interview: Fraser Clyne 30 Grassroots Athletics: Giﬀnock North AC 32 Grassroots Athletics: Ayr Seaforth AC 34 Grassroots Athletics: Kinross Road Runners 36 Coaching: Jim Hunter 37 Coaching: Alison Grey 38 Coaching: Linda Smith

The official magazine for members of scottishathletics www.scottishathletics.org.uk

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18 Lee McConnell reﬂects on her Commonwealth Games career

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Chief Executive

Colin Hutchison

he summer of 2022 must be one the biggest ever in our sport.

From Oregon to Birmingham and then on towards Munich, there is so much to look forward to this summer in international athletics. Domestically, however, on the ground where the magic happens, we are grateful once again to see clubs at full flow and to have a summer of athletics events across Scotland. #SALtogether has been a favourite tagline of scottishathletics since the publication of the national strategy ‘Building a Culture of Success’ in 2018.

Colin Hutchison Chief Executive Scottish Athletics

@SALChiefExec

#SALtogether approach works best for our sport – because everyone has a role to play

It perfectly describes everything that is great about athletics in Scotland – everyone working together to make the sport accessible, provide training and competition in every local authority across the country, and supporting people to achieve their ambitions. Everyone involved in athletics in Scotland plays a critical role in making the sport happen and it has been enjoyable to see how the sport has come together over the last two years. We often rightly reflect on the role of clubs, leaders, coaches and Officials in the recovery and I feel it is also important to highlight the work of event organisers – the vast majority who are volunteers. It has been so impressive to witness the speed in which events have returned, the innovation that was shown to offer competition over the past two years, and the flexibility to adjust to all the requirements requested. Their work is greatly appreciated and has been vital in bringing athletes back to the sport. #SALtogether also stretches beyond the core elements of the sport and reflects the role of key partners in athletics in Scotland. From those that support clubs and athletes locally, to our national partners that have continued to offer support to scottishathletics throughout the last two years backing our national programmes and events. Whilst it is hard not to get caught up in what is still to come this summer, it is important to pause and reflect on some great achievements in the sport already this year across various events. We are now well into double figures for the number of Scottish Records that have been broken this year with some impressive indoor performances being followed up

Volunteer event organisers like Ian Gebbie (Roon the Toon Tru Wealth Scottish 10k Champs) make a huge contribution to our sport with some significant long standing outdoor Records being taken down. After 40 years, Jake Wightman set a new Record in the mile, Eilish McColgan took 38 seconds of her mum’s 31-year-old 10,000m Record, Alisha Rees broke the 48-year 100m record and Jack Lawrie set a new 400m hurdles record after 21 years. Congratulations to all the athletes that have set new, or equalled, National Records. On the hills there has also been some considerable success at Senior and age group level already this year and 10 Scots have been selected across the IAU European 24-Hour Championships and European Off-Road Running Championships over the summer. As we approach a historic summer, I want to offer congratulations to all the Scottish athletes that have been selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Oregon and Team Scotland in Birmingham this summer.

It is fantastic to see such a strong Scottish contingent in the GB and NI teams for the World Champs and I want to wish all the Scottish athletes competing in Oregon, Birmingham and Munich good luck. We are proud of each and every one of you and look forward to watching you represent your country! Finally, not only will we see our athletes in action in Birmingham over the summer. There will also be 18 Scottish Officials on duty, chosen for the great honour of officiating at a Commonwealth Games. This is fantastic recognition of the level of Officials that we have in Scotland and of the great work that all Officials do week in, week out to make the sport happen. Thanks to you all. Have a great summer and I look forward to catching up with you at our events.

scottishathletics

Keep up to date with all the stories @www.scottishathletics.org.uk

NEWS

Tell us your #transforminglives stories ! Think about how it has helped your confidence, your wellbeing, being part of a community – all through the simple act of getting out and enjoying running or athletics.

In particular, ATS aims to provide support to those in the sport who are in need, for reasons of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.

Through support via donations, grant funding, event fundraising, corporate What if you now had the sponsorship and legacy funding, ATS aims opportunity to help others experience the same benefits? to use athletics and running to make a That’s what Athletics Trust significant difference to peoples in these Scotland is here to do – communities across Scotland. inspire everyone in Scotland to take up athletics or The Transforming Lives Initiative aims to help running. increase physical activity, improve health and wellbeing, and create community leaders in To help introduce the work areas of low levels of physical activity and of ATS we’d like to raise By Kyle Greig awareness of how running and athletics underrepresentation. is #transforminglives. Please take a few thletics Trust Scotland is soon to With the help of our partners and supporters launch the Transforming Lives Initiative moments and tell us your story by scanning the QR code. of athletics in Scotland, we believe we can – and we would love to hear from you! change people’s lives through athletics & Launched in 2021, Athletics Trust Scotland Whether you are an everyday runner or an running and ensure it is a sport accessible has been elite athlete, you will know that running and to all. established to athletics has the power to transform lives. continue to improve For more info on the work of the Trust and and support Think about your own experience - your athletics in Scotland, how you can support us please visit achievements, the lifelong friendships you’ve is proudly working www.athleticstrustscotland.org.uk/support made, how running has helped you cope with jogscotland and or email Kyle Greig on kyle.greig@ during difficult times as well as improving scottishathletics. athleticstrustscotland.org.uk your physical health.

Lee lands her fourth reallocated global medal

ee McConnell has now received no fewer than four reallocated medals – raising her career tally from major championships from eight to a dozen. Lee was presented with a bronze medal for the 4x400m at the World Indoor Championships 2010 at a special ceremony at the Muller British Champs. The Scot was joined by team-mates Vicki Barr and Kim Wall. The fourth member of the team, Perri Shakes-Drayton, was not in attendance in Manchester. The medals were reallocated after one of the Jamaican team, (original third-place finishers), failed a drugs test. ‘It is a bittersweet moment to be honest but it is great to finally get recognition,’ said Lee.

PB 2022 2021 || ISSUE ISSUE 32

‘At the time even if you have suspicions you put them to one side and just do your best and assume that is that. I don’t actually remember much from the day. I’ll have to go back home and watch it on YouTube!’ It’s the fourth time over the years now that Lee has received a reallocated medal. After retiring in 2014, the Glaswegian had previously had 4x400m medals upgraded to bronze for the 2009 and 2011 World Championships - and to silver for the 2010 European championships. Congratulations to Lee, her family and coach Rodger Harkins. LEE’S COMMONWEALTH GAMES MEMORIES SEE PAGES 18 AND 19

with a stunning performance which captured the imagination and admiration of the athletics public in Scotland. Owen was at Holyrood in late June to receive the MBE from Princess Anne and later that day brought the cherished medal along to training at Pitreavie to show coach Steve Doig and the rest of the group. Congratulations again, Owen!

aralympic gold medallist Owen Miller brought along a special medal to training – his MBE.

The Fife AC athlete won gold in Tokyo and now landed recognition via the Queen’s Honours List. On his Paralympic debut, the popular Scot blew away the field in the T20 1500m final

Meanwhile, Stef Reid has retired from athletics after a long and highly-successful career. Stef competed in the T44 category at long jump and sprints and has been a multiple medal winner at European and World level.

‘It’s with a very full hear that I am retiring from athletics,’ the 37-year-old posted. ‘Retirement feels like the wrong word – I feel like evolution is better. It doesn’t seem like and ending or a beginning but more of a redirection! ‘I feel very lucky to not only have lived out my childhood dream to be an athlete but to have had a full rollercoaster of experiences: medals and world records and struggles and failures.’

All at scottishathletics forward our Reid won a bronze medal in the 200m at the congratulations to Stef on a fine career and 2008 Paralympics and silver in the long jump offer our best wishes for the next chapter.

Our #Eugene11 – top Scots picked for Worlds

at the 2012 Paralympics. Always a believer in exploring activities away from the sport, Stef also featured in TV shows like Celebrity MasterChef and Dancing on Ice.

that 30 minute mark, all being well. It is one my dreams.’ Here are the Scots picked for Oregon . . .

lite Scottish athletes will compete for GB and NI at the World Champs in Oregon – with hopes high for strong performances in Eugene.

Eilish will double up over the 5000m and the 10,000m and she will head to the United States with Paula Radcliffe’s British Record in mind for the longer event.

British Athletics selected 10 Scots in an initial team of 64 but the cohort then rose to 11 when Nick Percy was added via the World Rankings system – with those in the top 32 under consideration.

‘I feel confident going into the Worlds and the Beth Dobbin: Event: 200m and 4x100m; Commonwealths that I could run a PB,’ she Leon Baptiste said. Neil Gourley: Event: 1500m; Stephen Haas ‘I don’t know where that would place me. I cannot control how fast other people run, but Josh Kerr: Event: 1500m Danny Mackey I would love to try and get under 30-minutes Eilish McColgan: Event: 5000m and for the 10,000m, or as close to that barrier 10,000m; Liz Nuttall as I can.

It’s an excellent representation already and Scots will make up all three places in the Men’s 1500m team. Laura Muir, Jemma Reekie and Eilish McColgan feature in the Women’s endurance and there are places in individual events for sprinters Beth Dobbin and Nicole Yeargin. Andy Butchart is selected for the fifth time for a global championship event (three x Worlds, two x Olympics) in the 5000m – after a freak leg fracture only a few weeks ago - and Zoey Clark similarly has vast experience and will be part of the 4x400m Relay squad again.

‘If that is good enough for a medal, fifth, eighth, or 15th then I will be happy knowing I have given my all. ‘Paula Radcliffe’s British Record (at 30:01.09) is the main goal and I feel capable of it. In Holland (when breaking her mum Liz’s Scottish Record with 30:19.02) it was a solo run from start to finish and it was freezing, windy and raining. ‘So there is no reason why I can’t go close to

Andy Butchart: Event: 5000m Zoey Clark: Event: Women’s 4x400m and Mixed 4x400m; Ryan Oswald

Laura Muir: Event: 1500m; Andy Young Nick Percy: Event: Discus; Zane Duquemin Jemma Reekie: Event: 800m; Andy Young Jake Wightman: Event: 1500m; Geoff Wightman Nicole Yeargin: Event: 400m and Women’s 4x400m and Mixed 4x400m; Boogie Johnson Everyone at scottishathletics sends our warm congratulations to these athletes and their families and coaches on making selection for a global championships. It’s a huge achievement and on these occasions we also want to thank clubs who have played a key role in their development over many years. A number of the athletes continue to reference their initial club on a regular basis when competing at elite level. Associated with this selection in particular(in a Scottish context) would be Central AC, Aberdeen AAC, Edinburgh AC, Dundee Hawkhill Harriers, Kilbarchan AAC, Giffnock North AC and Pitreavie AAC.

scottishathletics

Tru Wealth Scottish 10k Champs

Kilmarnock

Paved with gold Annabel completes hat-trick of title wins on the road

ore often than not, Annabel Simpson isn’t slow to hide her reluctance to compete at cross country even though she has been known to deliver some strong performances across the mud, including a National XC silver medal at Falkirk in 2020. More often than not, her speed across the road surfaces of Scotland is abundantly clear for all to see. So it proved once again on a windy (and sometimes wet) summer’s day in Ayrshire in June as she landed the Tru Wealth Scottish 10k gold with victory at the Roon the Toon event. That complete a hat-trick of 2022 titles after wins at the 10-Mile Champs at Strathclyde Park in April and the 5k at Silverknowes. ‘I do love running on the road and anything that isn’t cross country suits me fine,’ laughed the Fife AC athlete, after an event which closed out with 300m of the Ayrshire Athletics Arena track.

Women’s podium at Roon the Toon – winner Annabel Simpson joined by Meredith Reid (left) and Eve MacKinnon I’m delighted to land another Scottish championship gold.’ Annabel clocked 33.23 (on gun times) to break her own Course Record and was followed home in the Women’s race by Meredith Reid of Inverclyde AC, who was not far away from breaking 35 minutes, and Eve MacKinnon of Cambuslang Harriers. Roon the Toon organisers paid out £100 for a new Course best and they did so, too, in the Men’s race as Aberdeen-based teacher Sean Chalmers reaped a dividend for a weekend break in Ayrshire. The Inverness Harriers athlete claimed not only his first Scottish title in our Tru Wealth 10k Champs but posted a Course Record with 29.59, too.

‘It was windy conditions but I just got myself into a group of guys running well, with one or two from our training group. We were able to work together a wee bit and help each other.

That was an excellent run as he held off the strong challenge from James Donald of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers over the final stages.

‘I’m pleased because I was in Finland in midweek for a track race and I didn’t run at all well (with a DNF) so I did think there was a wee chance of redemption at Kilmarnock.

Wheelchair race winner Sean Frame celebrated his selection for Team Scotland for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, announced the previous Friday, with a solid performance to come home in 25:22 and not too far short of his best on this course, with the wet and windy conditions a factor this time.

Callum Hawkins was among them after acting as official starter for the Wheelchair Race moments earlier. The double Olympian was clearly the ‘wild-card’ in the Men’s field as he recovers from foot surgery early in 2022. In the end, an Achilles issue flared up after 6k to cost Callum the performance he would have liked but he has plans to ‘race myself fit’ over the coming weeks and months – with a view to a marathon towards the end of the year. Chalmers beat the 30:41 mark set by Darryl Reid of East Kilbride last year and was just as pleased to dip under 30 minutes. ‘It was windy and definitely tough in the early stages so I’m very happy to win and get a time that’s quite close to my PB,’ said Scotland international Sean. ‘I think on the right day in calm conditions you could get fast times here. ‘As it happened, I managed to close with a 2.44 last kilometre and it was in my mind that I didn’t really want to get into a track race with James Donald over the final stages! James had been on my tail throughout and I know he’s quick on the track. Thankfully around 9k or so I managed to create a wee gap and held him off.’

Donald took silver in 30:05 with In all, it was another superb event from the Cambuslang’s Mike Christoforou taking the Roon the Toon team led by race director, Ian bronze in 30:17. Gebbie, and hosted with great enthusiasm by Kilmarnock Harriers. Masters Scottish 10k titles:

PB 2022 | ISSUE 2

More than 1300 athletes took to the startline and, watched by the East Ayrshire Lord Provost, it took fully two minutes for them to pass through the chip mat after the gun had sounded on those at the front!

Men: Grant Baillie M40, Paul Monaghan M50, Bryce Aitken M60 and Ed Norton at M70. Women: Avril Mason W40, Allie Chong W50, Kathryn Scott W60, Kate Dodd W70.

Scotland

Loughborough International

Spring in the step Sprint Records bode well for future

lyson Bell donned not one but two vests at the Loughborough International on what was a truly hectic weekend for a number of Scottish athletes. After appearing for GB Juniors in a 4x100m Relay run (which went awry), the Giffnock North AC athlete made a much bigger impression in Scotland blue. Alyson clocked a new PB of 11.58 to finish third in the Women’s 100m Match race. And, in doing so, simply added further to a feelgood factor building in our sprints community. Almost exactly 24 hours earlier, our Women’s 4x100m team at the Diamond League meeting in Birmingham had set a new National Record at 44.75. Those two Records thus made it no fewer than SEVEN National marks improved during 2022 – four of those indoors (two at 200m and two at 60m) and then a new Women’s 100m Record from Alisha Rees. It’s a huge feather in the cap for the athletes involved and their individual coaches. At the Birmingham Diamond League, Allan Scott and Chris Baillie were the Scotland team staff –lending valuable experience to the quartet of Rees, Rebecca Matheson, Sarah Malone and Taylah Spence. ‘I felt the PB was coming but didn’t realise it

PB 2022 | ISSUE 2

Photos by Bobby Gavin Alyson Bell (main photo), Taylah Spence (below) and Greg Millar (javelin, right)

was a Scottish U20 Record until I bumped into Alisha in the stadium at Loughborough a wee bit later on,’ smiled Alyson.

mainland for the East Outdoor Open at Grangemouth when I had the email about selection,’ she said.

‘Alisha said ‘Well done’ on my 11.58 and then told me she recalled her Record was 11.59 and sure enough it was when I looked it up.

‘I won the Scottish 200m title last summer and that was a bit of a breakthrough.

‘I’m pleased because the season has started well. I’m studying in Edinburgh now and over the past few months I’ve put in some gym work and feel that is making me stronger. ‘I’m coached by Billy Glasgow and Anne Scott is helping out in Edinburgh. It’s working well at the moment.’ As Rees looked on as a spectator, Matheson, Malone and Spence were all in action at Loughborough the day after their Alexander Stadium exploits. Orkney midwife Spence was a late call-up for both international opportunities and was thrilled as she raced the 200m. ‘I was in the departure lounge to fly to the

‘There was a lot of hard work over the winter in Orkney and of course it isn’t that easy with my coach Eoghan (MacNamara) being in Aberdeen. But I was there for university for three years and we developed a strong athlete-coach relationship there. ‘Obviously it is expensive trying to compete but I am well supported by the Orkney council and my work (NHS) are very good with me if I’m trying to get time off to race in Scotland or elsewhere.’ Spence was one of more than a dozen athletes who were making their Scotland debut in terms of a Senior vest in an individual event. It was abundantly clear the honour remains a significant one. Javelin thrower Greg Millar was named as our captain and, when he addressed the full team on Saturday evening in Loughborough, he stressed the importance of supporting each other. Millar has been regular at this event – Kirsty Law made her 14th appearance – and two more field eventers delivered full points for the team with strong perofrmances. David Smith was a Loughborough winner

Scotland again as he took the Men’s High Jump competition with a best clearance of 2.19m.

Loughborough International

HIGHLAND STRENGTH ...

‘When you wear that Scotland vest then your first priority in this event is always to try and get as many points as you can for the team,’ he said.

Nick Percy was another winner as he took the Men’s Discus competition with a throw of 63.02. Nick had been over 63m the previous day at the Birmingham Diamond League. ‘I’m consistently over 63m now and that’s a good base – hopefully the much bigger ones are coming soon in the next competitions,’ said Nick. ‘You always want to do well for Scotland here and I love to win full points for the team. It’s a good place to throw and I’m pretty sure that’s the last three Loughborough Internationals I have won.’

Inverness Harriers savoured a rare double event selection when Scotland headed to the Loughborough International.

Jess Judd dominated the Women’s race

European Women’s U20 Cross Country champion, Megan Keith, was the pick in the Women’s 1500m as Stephen Mackay wore the Men’s vest over the same distance.

condition. And Stephen was even closer to

but Megan had a strong run for third place as she went close to a PB despite windy victory with a second place in an exciting Men’s race. Highland strength, right enough

HEADLINE ACT ...

The other event winner on the day was Sarah Tait as she repeated her 2021 success in the 3000m steeplechase. There were other good performances in endurance from the likes of Ryan Thomson in the 3000m, 1500m duo Megan Keith and Stephen Mackay and Michael Cameron in the men’s steeplechase. Kane Elliott was in contention for much of the men’s 800m before he finished fifth as Olivia Vareille made it a double Falkirk Vics selection in the two-lap event. Steven Bryce won his 1500m Para race. Bell for her part was one of five young Scots who represented GB and NI Juniors – Brodie Young (Airdrie), Teddy Tchoudja (Shettleston), Rachel Callan (Giffnock North) and Sofia Vidak (Falkirk Vics/Glasgow School of Sport) were the others. Demonstrating the pathway, (among others) there was a call-up for 17-year-old Amy Kennedy in the shot after Teddy had been selected for GB and NI Juniors and a javelin place for Katie Burr.

It was a hectic weekend when Scots competed at the Diamond League in Birmingham and then at the Loughborough International the following day in May. But there wasn’t much doubt about the track and field headline act. The Women’s 4x100m National Record fell to the quartet of Rebecca Matheson, Alisha Rees, Sarah Malone and Taylah Spence as they clocked 44.75.

‘I was really nervous beforehand but I was able to have a word with Zoey Clark, who was competing over 400m,’ revealed Keith sprinter Rebecca. ‘Zoey told me to enjoy it and try, take it all in and try and run as I normally would. We were thrilled with the team performance.’ Cue headlines in the Press and Journal with three of the four from that paper’s circulation area plus Edinburgh’s Sarah.

scottishathletics

Muller British Champs

Manchester

From playground to podium 1500m trio relish every step of the journey By Peter Jardine

t is long since water under (London) Bridge now, but Josh Kerr once missed out on a Scotland team for the Mini Marathon after failing to finish high enough up in a Young Athletes Road Race event in Greenock.

All of these are moments along the journey and perhaps simply emphasise that the progression from early teens to world class athlete is a marathon not a sprint. The aforementioned trio have assuredly now made that leap the evidence was stark on a

Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley suffered disappointments in their formative years, too, with the Giffnock North AC athlete, for example, angry when he failed to make the podium at the 2017 Euro U23s in Poland after winning bronze two years earlier when younger in the same age group. Jake for his part once had to withdraw from a Scottish Schools selection because of injury, candidly and sportingly telling the SSAA selectors that he would not be fit enough and to give his place to another emerging athlete.

MEDAL MAGIC IN MEN’S 1500 MULLER BRITISH CHAMPS 2022: 1 Jake Wightman; 2 Neil Gourley; 3 Josh Kerr 2021: 1 Josh Kerr; 2 Jake Wightman; 3 Jake Heyward 2020: 1 George Mills; 2 Neil Gourley; 3 Joshua Lay 2019: 1 Neil Gourley; 2 Josh Kerr; 3 Jake Wightman 2018: 1 Chris O’Hare; 2 Jake Wightman; 3 Neil Gourley 2017: 1 Chris O’Hare; 2 Josh Kerr; 3 Jake Wightman

PB 2022 | ISSUE 2

at juniors but we got better and better. ‘It’s definitely a special time and, on the female side as well, I don’t think anyone can complain about what Scottish Athletics is doing to help bring through athletes.’ Kerr led at the bell from Gourley with Wightman third but that changed on the home straight – and Jake Heyward was within three hundredths of 2021 champion Josh. ‘It probably looked pretty tasty for the crowd at the bell, I knew Neil had run a fast 800 just recently, so I knew it was going to be a quick finish. I’m just so pleased to get it done and now I can look forward to Oregon. That’s the main aim ticked off.

windy Saturday afternoon in Manchester. Wightman claimed his first British Champs gold in a dramatic Men’s 1500m finale. But there was nothing surprising about the Scottish 1-2-3 on the podium. In fact, it was the fourth time in six years this had happened and on one of the others – in 2021 – Josh and Jake went 1-2!

‘Every year, I come to the champs thinking it won’t be as hard as last year. And every year it gets harder. That means we’re set up even better for the World Championships and the Commonwealths.’ The race for World Championship selections added further excitement to the British Champs with Jake and Neil making sure

‘It’s class that I’ve known Neil since I was 13, when I first moved to Scotland. I’ve known Josh from the club at the same sort of age. ‘So to see everybody come through and run at this level is pretty special. And I don’t think we’ll realise how good it is until it’s all over. ‘We’ll look back in five years, ten years or whenever and appreciate what we have. ‘It shows how well Scottish Athletics have done to nurture us all to reach this level, because we weren’t necessarily amazing young athletes. We were all decent enough

Photos: Getty Images for British Athletics

Muller British Champs

Manchester

Record-breaker Nick reaches 65m landmark

of slots. Bronze medallist Josh was duly handed the third slot. In many ways it was the track highlight in terms of the Scots in Manchester, although there was no shortage of other medals and strong performances. Moments before the men’s ‘shoot-out’ Laura Muir had claimed gold with an impressive solo run over the last 600m or so, including a last lap of 60 seconds. Laura had also put a ‘speed session’ into her heat the previous night. Megan Davies had made it two Scots in that final and there were three in the Women’s 800 finale come late Sunday afternoon as Jemma Reekie, Jenny Selman and Hannah Cameron took to the track. Jemma took the British title there with Jenny close to the medals (after her win at the UK Indoors) but had to settle for fourth. ‘I knew it would be slow because of the wind and I knew some could sprint but I really wanted it out there,’ said Jemma. ‘Last year I was so nervous at the Olympic trials whereas today I decided I just needed to do my best and I had prepared myself the best I can.’ Like Selman, Andy Butchart was also fourth in the Men’s 5000m as he confirmed his fitness after injury. In the Women’s 5000, Sarah Inglis claimed her first British Champs medal as she took bronze.

Holly Bradshaw claimed her ninth outdoor gold in the Women’s pole vault at the British Championships in Manchester. For Mogan Lake, it was a straight seventh consecutive win in the Women’s High Jump.

and NI teams at that level, you really don’t want to drop out,’ said Beth. ‘The standard across the world is phenomenal and it is so great and honoured to be amongst this bunch. It proves it to myself as well as others that I am talented and I can do it if I keep working hard.’ Beth clocked a windy 22.49 in that 200m final and the wind speeds were definitely a frustration for the sprinter.

But there was no denying the fine progress by our top two in the 100m – as both Alisha Rees and Adam Thomas made the final. Away from the endurance events and still on Adam finished sixth and Alisha was sixth. the track, there was further Scottish success Alisha clocked times over three races which are the fastest of all time by a Scottish in the sprints. woman, windy or legal. Silver medal places for Nicole Yeargin in the ‘I’m so pleased to have put together three 400m final and Beth Dobbin in the 200m races like that,’ she said. ‘I am starting to final were enough to stamp their tickets for think of myself as an 11.30 runner and that’s Eugene. Zoey Clark was sixth in the one lap progress. final. ‘I am buzzing to have made my spot for the World Champs – once you start making GB

‘I really wanted the National Record (Helen Golden’s 11.40 mark at 100m) because it had stood for 40 years to make the Commonwealth Games. So to make those targets yet still have more to do in the season gives me a lot of confidence.’

As things stand, Nick Percy may soon also be subject to inquiries by the athletics equivalent of the Monopolies Commission. Nick claimed his fifth British Men’s Discus title in sensational style at the Regional Athletics Arena with a Scottish Record throw of 65.00m the icing on the cake. The gold didn’t look in doubt from round two when he threw 64.85m to immediately apply pressure to Lawrence Okoye (with the Englishman ultimately unable to respond) and the Record in round three simply increased his lead. ‘To reach 65m is a brilliant feeling because that’s a big landmark in discus throwing – like 10 seconds in the 100m,’ he said. ‘It was windy but you could use that if you caught it right. I knew that one was big when it left my hand and was waiting for them to announce the distance. ‘I’m ecstatic with another PB and another consistent series. ‘I feel I’ve made improvements in all areas this year; mentally, physically, nutrition, conditioning and so on. I’m still based in the Isle of Wight and, yes, do sometimes use the gym in the garden – or the ‘Percy Performance Centre’ as it was dubbed online. Whatever the facilities, we make it work.’ Kirsty Law was silver medallist in the Women’s discus, with a throw of 55.18m. Kirsty was pleased at least to put a poor performance in last year’s British Champs behind her. ‘The aim was just to throw the furthest I could and to get back on the podium as last year I didn’t have a very good British Champs, so I’m happier now than then.’ David Smith landed the first Scottish medal of the weekend in the Men’s High Jump, with a clearance of 2.18m.

scottishathletics

Securing the future of athletics in Scotland Transforming lives Targeting medals Strengthening communities www.athleticstrustscotland.org.uk

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Flying the ﬂag for Scotland

Vest image by Bobby Gavin Stadium photo via Birmingham 2022

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Manchester 2002 Jamie Quarry in the decathlon

It was an inexperienced team – only decathlete Jamie Quarry had competed at a previous Games. The team included Chris Baillie, whose brother Ross had competed at the 1998 Games; Shirley Webb, whose father Andy had been in the 1970 team; Mhairi Walters, still competing 20 years on as Mhairi Porterfield; and the 15-year-old Gemma Nicol, selected for the 4 x 400m relay team. Lee McConnell, a former high jumper, had been tipped by Athletics Weekly to reach the final of the 400m but on the day she fought it out for the medals with the Jamaicans Sandie Richards and Allison Beckford and the Guyana athlete Aliann Pompey. McConnell was challenging all the way to the tape and took home a glorious silver medal, edged out of the gold by Pompey by just 0.05 seconds, 51.63 to 51.68.

Two decades on, our trip down Manchester memory lane . . . and fourth place pain Medals for Lee, Jamie, but near misses, too By Arnold Black It is 20 years since the Commonwealth Games were held in England. The 2002 Games took place at the City of Manchester Stadium. The stadium was originally proposed as an athletics arena in Manchester’s unsuccessful bid for the 2000 Summer Olympics. After the Commonwealth Games, it was converted into a football stadium and is now The Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City. Scotland named a squad of 28 athletes for the Games but by the time the events took place (26-31 July) the five athletes who had been named subject to fitness had all

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withdrawn, so there was no place for Ian Mackie, Christian Nicolson, Kathy Butler, Aileen Wilson and Lorna Jackson. Mackie had competed at the 1994 Games and Butler had competed for Canada in 1998 and would compete for Scotland in 2006. Jackson competed in 1998 but for Nicolson and Wilson this was to be a missed opportunity. Of the final 23 who travelled, there were only eight male athletes. This was the first time that the Scotland team had more female athletes than male, headlined by Lee McConnell and Sinead Dudgeon, both of whom had been selected for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team for the European Championships in Munich which would start one week after the Manchester Games ended.

There was medal opportunity in the men’s decathlon as well. At the end of day one, Jamie Quarry, competing in his third Games, lay in second place with 4015 points, just 66 points ahead of Australia’s Matt McEwen. By the discus event on day two, Quarry’s second position was threatened by the Cypriot Andreou who had moved to within a single point. The ninth event, the javelin, saw McEwen and Andreou throw further than Quarry and Jamie was pushed back into fourth. It all hinged on the 1500m where Quarry ran an excellent 4:31.94, 11 seconds ahead of McEwen and 30 seconds ahead of Andreou. It was enough. Quarry had won the bronze medal in a Scottish Record 7630 points. Scotland ended the Games with these two medals but there were near misses. And the nearest of all near misses came in the long jump. England’s Nathan Morgan was the only athlete to clear eight metres and Botswana’s Garenamotse leaped to 7.91 on his first jump. Scotland’s Darren Ritchie hit 7.88 on Chris Baillie in hurdles action

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Manchester 2002

Susan Scott in action in the 800m

his third jump to move into third until the fifth round. The Jamaican Kareem StreeteThompson improved to 7.89 while Ritchie’s fifth round effort agonisingly hit 7.88 again. The bronze medal was lost by just one centimetre. There were two other fourth places – both setting Scottish National Records (at that time). Susan Scott became the first Scot to go under two minutes for the women’s 800m in 1:59.30. Four years later, she would beat the record again, 1:59.02, and have to settle again for fourth place.

MANCHESTER MEDALS

In the women’s 4 x 400m, Scotland qualified for the final with Gemma Nicol, now 16 years and 3 days, running the lead-off leg in the heats.

Lee McConnell – Silver Women’s 400m 51.68

Come the final and the team of Carey Easton, Sinead Dudgeon, Susan Burnside and Lee McConnell ran a national record 3:31.50 to come home in fourth.

Jamie Quarry – Bronze Men’s Decathlon 7630 points AND THE NEAR MISSES . . . Darren Ritchie – Fourth in Men’s Long Jump 7.88m Susan Scott – Fourth in Women’s 800m in 1:59.30 Women’s 4x400m team – Fourth in 3:31.50 (Easton, Dudgeon, Burnside, McConnell)

Mhairi Walters in the hammer

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Lee McConnell Photos courtesy of Commonweath Games Scotland

Raising the bar After missing out as high jumper, how Lee kept Scotland among the medals in lean years By John Greechan She’s just about over the disappointment of not being picked for the high jump in Kuala Lumpur 24 years ago, her instinctive indignation somewhat soothed by a couple of phenomenal experiences in a Team Scotland vest. All in all, Lee McConnell can feel pretty good about her whole Commonwealth Games story. From Manchester to Delhi, the former golden girl of Scottish athletics experienced virtually every possible emotion in a career that yielded a silver in the 400m and a bronze in the 400m hurdles. Unable to medal in slightly madcap circumstances in Delhi, McConnell came close to competing in a fourth Games at Glasgow in 2014, just months after giving birth to her first child, Ethan.

Commonwealth Games, to be honest; I remember watching World Championships and Olympics but not so much the Commies. ‘I was still at university and still high jumping in ’98. I felt quite hard done by not getting selected, actually. I’m over it now! I moved on and changed events, obviously. ‘Manchester was pretty special because it’s so close to home. It felt like a home Games to me, to be honest, because the support inside the stadium was spectacular, whether you were English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish. You had pretty much the whole stadium. ‘And I remember it being a really good stadium for atmosphere. You know how in some venues the noise just goes straight up and disappears? Well there it seemed to come back down at you. It was quite impressive and really great to run the 400m in that.

‘That was the first time a lot of my family had been able to witness me taking part in such a big competition, so it was quite Reflecting on her experience at the special. And the medal helps to make it a bit ‘Commies’ for PB, she said: ‘I had actually hoped to get to Kuala Lumpur in ’98 and was more enjoyable, definitely! really disappointed not to make the team. I ‘I’d been at the World Championships the remember watching it. year before as part of the 4x400m relay team. But this was my first individual ‘That was my first memory of a selection for a major championship, so it PB 2022 | ISSUE 2 was always going to be special.

‘It was nice that it was with Scotland, too. Because we’re such a small team, comparatively, it’s easier to cope with. You know everyone on the team. ‘It’s much easier to go into that massive dining hall when you have that little group around you, rather than being one of many, many more like competing for GB at other major championships. ‘So it was quite a nice and secure environment, if you know what I mean, for it to be my first. It was such a good experience.

Birmingham 2022 PB Preview HeaderL ‘The other athlete who won a medal was Jamie Quarrie, in the decathlon. And I think we won our medals on the same night, actually. That was nice because it meant all the media stuff that came after it, we did it together; it was good to have company on those sorts of trips. ‘Manchester did a fantastic job in making the Games that bit bigger and better. But it was quite funny just getting on a train and you were there a few hours later, no holding camp needed.’ Melbourne in 2006 was a game changer for Team Scotland, of course, with unprecedented success in the Aussie sunshine setting new standards at a Games that had a very obvious mini-Olympics feel to them, not least during those big nights of athletics at the 100,000-capacity MCG.

‘Melbourne kicked it on again,’ said McConnell. ‘In some ways I was lucky and in some ways I was unlucky at those Games. I’d changed to the hurdles, which meant going against the top Australian athlete, Jana Pittman. That was unlucky, because she was such a strong competitor. ‘But, at the same time, the stadium was packed. Absolutely packed. I think that’s the biggest crowd I’ve ever run in front of. And it was an incredible atmosphere. That stadium held a lot of people. ‘Because of Jana and my race, it was probably the biggest night of the athletics calendar, so it was pretty incredible. And there was a lot of pressure on me to win a medal. Thankfully I managed to get the bronze. ‘Melbourne was a really good Games for the whole team. And it started with a great holding camp up in Bendigo, a really positive experience where we met some fantastic

people at the athletics track, club athletes who were willing to help me with my pacing and help me train. They really contributed a lot towards me racing well. ‘The efforts of those local Australian club athletes were really appreciated, particularly one of the guys who would come down and push me on during my sessions. It’s a lot easier with someone beside you and that made a big difference to me. It was nice having local support and friendships. ‘Everything about Melbourne was top class. It always suited me when the sun is shining.’ Into each athletics career, of course, a little rain must fall. And a little disappointment must be taken on the chin. Which brings us to India, and a window so late in the 2010 outdoor season that it felt like an afterthought.

Reflecting on a Games where she finished fourth in the 400m and just a quarter of a second outside of the medal places in the 200m, McConnell said: ‘It was a tough one, a different experience for me. We’d already had our competitive season, then this sort of lull before the Games in October. ‘Running the 200m was good fun, although there was a bit of a hullabaloo when one of the girls was getting disqualified, then she wasn’t, we were all ready to race the final – then we got told to go home! The final was postponed. ‘The problem was I’d already done three rounds of the 400m, so even warming up for the 200m final was just exhausting. To then go home

Lee McConnell HeaderR when you were ready to run, I was just really tired at that point. I would have liked to have run when it was originally scheduled. Whether the outcome would have been any different, nobody knows.’ The decision to look for early qualifying times ahead of Glasgow 2014 effectively denied new mum McConnell the chance to compete on Scottish soil, although she was invited to compete in the 4x400m relay. ‘You know, when you’ve already won two medals, you don’t want your last meet to not be there as an individual,’ she admitted. ‘And it was a lot to ask, to give up that much time, with a young baby at home, to do an event that wasn’t the one I wanted to do.

‘But I was given the opportunity to see a Games from a different perspective with the BBC and doing media work with them, broadcasting from the stadium, and that was fantastic. ‘That took away the disappointment of not being there as an athlete, because I was kept busy for the duration of the Games. So I enjoyed Glasgow, for different reasons.’

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Birmingham 2022

Our Team

BENNETT

BUTCHART

CHERRY

CLARK

Chris Bennett Hammer Andy Frost Shettleston Harriers

Andy Butchart 5000m and 10,000m Central AC

Jill Cherry 4x400m Allan Scott VP-Glasgow

Zoey Clark 400m and 4x400m Ryan Oswald Aberdeen AAC

GRIMSEY

INGLIS

KERR

KINGHORN

Will Grimsey High Jump Graham Ravenscroft Woodford Green and Essex Ladies

Sarah Inglis 5000m and 10,000m Alistair Cragg Lothian RC

Josh Kerr 1500m Danny Mackey Edinburgh AC

Samantha Kinghorn T53/T54 1500m Rodger Harkins Red Star AC

MALONE

MATHESON

MUIR

PATERSON

Sarah Malone 4x100m Donald Moss Edinburgh AC

Rebecca Matheson 4x100m Ryan Oswald Aberdeen AAC

Laura Muir 800m and 1500m Andy Young Dundee Hawkhill Harriers

Ross Paterson T38 100m John Kinder Red Star AC

PATON

PERCY

REEKIE

REES

Heather Paton 100m Hurdles and 4x100m Benke Blomkvist Birchfield Harriers

Nick Percy Discus Zane Duquemin Shaftesbury Barnett

Jemma Reekie 800m and 1500m Andy Young Kilbarchan AAC

Alisha Rees 100m and 4x100m Leon Baptise Edinburgh AC

THOMSON

WALKER

WIGHTMAN

Alexander Thomson T38 100m Chris Baillie VP-Glasgow

Eloise Walker 5000m Andy Young Edinburgh AC/Glasgow Uni

Jake Wightman 800m and 1500m Geoff Wightman Edinburgh AC

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Birmingham 2022

Our Team

DOBBIN

DRY

FRAME

GOURLEY

Beth Dobbin 200m and 4x400m Leon Baptiste Edinburgh AC

Mark Dry Hammer Woodford Green and Essex Ladies

Sean Frame T54 Marathon Joyce Rammell Red Star AC

Neil Gourley 1500m and 5000m Stephen Haas Giffnock North AC

LAW

LEARMONTH

MCAULAY

MCCOLGAN

Kirsty Law Discus Zane Duquemin Inverness Harriers

Guy Learmonth 800m Justin Rinaldi Lasswade AC

Carys McAulay 4x400m Nick Dakin Trafford AC

Eilish McColgan 5000m and 10,000m Liz Nuttall Dundee Hawkhill Harriers

Good luck Team Scotland Birmingham 2022 SELMAN

SMITH

SPENCE

THOMAS

Jenny Selman 800m Lewis Walker Fife AC

David Smith High Jump Ken Allan Giffnock North

Taylah Spence 4x100m Eoghan MacNamara Orkney AC

Adam Thomas 100m Bracknell AC

WOODS

YEARGIN

Melanie Woods T53/T54 1500m Rodger Harkins Red Star AC

Nicole Yeargin 400m and 4x400m Boogie Johnson Pitreavie AAC

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Patriotic. Competitiv

But Commonwealths are still ‘The Friendly Games’ says Eilidh Doyle

ilidh Doyle made her international breakthrough at her first Commonwealth Games, winning silver in the 400m hurdles final in Delhi in 2010. Four years later she repeated that feat in front of a packed Hampden at Glasgow 2014 after previously climbing the stadium roof for a photo opportunity as one of the poster stars of those Games. And, come 2018, Eilidh was a standardbearer in the full sense of the phrase as he became the flag-carrier for Team Scotland at the Gold Coast 2018 event. A third successive 400m hurdles silver medal duly followed. But, in fact, her connection to the Commonwealths stretches back even longer than pulling on her spikes in India. A number of years earlier Eilidh’s mum, Jill, won a newspaper competition to attend the 2014 Games venue announcement decision. Who better to share the excitement with than an aspiring hurdler as Glasgow was confirmed and Hampden suddenly became a target on the horizon? This time mother-of-two Eilidh will be in a cheer-leading role, most probably from her sofa, and doubtless the memories will flood back for Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete. Here, the double Olympian reflects on her own Commonwealth Games experiences . . . ‘Growing up, I had always dreamed of representing Scotland. I feel very patriotic, and I have always been so proud of being Scottish. ‘The older I got and the more serious I became about athletics, I soon realised that the main opportunity to represent Scotland was at the Commonwealth Games, so it soon became a big target of mine to try and make that team.

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‘I got to fulfil this ambition in Delhi in 2010. It was my first ever multi-sport championship event, and it ranks as one of the best championships I’ve been to in terms of teammates and camaraderie. ‘It was an unusual build-up because it was very late in the year in terms of the athletics season and there was a lot of negativity surrounding the venues and facilities, suggesting nothing would be ready for us in time. ‘From the offset, Team Scotland reassured us that they would do everything in their power to make sure we had everything we needed when we got there and that definitely was the case. ‘I think that reassurance and support resonated throughout the whole team as we felt really united and together as Team Scotland. It obviously helped with my performance as I went on to win my first ever medal at a major championship, a silver. ‘This team unity had an impact on how I felt competing for Scotland in comparison to Great Britain. I am obviously incredibly proud to represent both, however the Scotland team is much smaller, especially in terms of the athletics squad, and so it feels more intimate and united. ‘We are also a very patriotic country and that showed in how we got behind one another, from all sports, and celebrated everyone’s success. I had expected a little of that when I first got selected to represent Team Scotland, but it took me by surprise how that team spirit filtered throughout the whole

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ve. Inspiring. KEY ADVICE FROM EILIDH ‘If I was to give any advice to athletes selected for their first Commonwealth Games, it would be to embrace it and take in as much as you can.

team, not just your own sport.

Commonwealth Games in 2014.

‘Within the 400m hurdles competition, it didn’t feel strange competing against other British athletes, as I was used to racing against them regularly. However, it was different when it came to the 4x400m relay, as I was in a team racing against girls who would normally be in my team.

‘I found it interesting that neither of them chose a medal or race I had won, and both chose moments where I was representing Scotland.

‘When I was handed the baton though, it was all forgotten and I was running as fast as I could! ‘However, the strangest part was being in the Call Room beforehand and seeing my usual team-mates in different kit, and as the opposition rather than compatriots. Nevertheless, there is a reason they call the Commonwealth Games ‘The Friendly Games’, and although we were on different teams everyone was still friendly, supportive and encouraging. ‘Carrying the flag for Scotland at Gold Coast in 2018 is definitely one of my proudest moments. ‘It’s funny because when I retired, I asked my parents what their favourite moment of my whole career was. My mum, without hesitation, said seeing me carry the flag for Scotland, and my dad said it was when I did my lap of honour in Glasgow at the

‘When growing up and targeting a career in sport, you dream of winning races and medals or competing at championships; I never dreamed about accolades like carrying the flag because I never expected them, so I think that added to my pride when achieving them. ‘I’ll never forget the feeling of being able to step out into that stadium and wave the saltire, whilst also creating history in being the first female flagbearer for Scotland.’ *A version of Eilidh’s reflections first appeared on the UK Athletics Commission website

‘Although it is in Birmingham (and not Glasgow or Edinburgh), it will still feel very much like a home games for Scottish athletes and I am certain the atmosphere will be special. ‘I remember so many of the Welsh and English athletes saying they felt Glasgow 2014 was a home games for them and they loved stepping out into the stadium to hear the roar of the crowd. ‘Secondly, although it may be your first games, there is no need to be intimidated or feel out of place. The Commonwealths only come around every four years, so make the most of this opportunity and leave nothing behind when you are out there competing. ‘You have made the team, so you have every right to be out there performing at your best and achieving your goals.’ scottishathletics

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Officials dispensation to watch his daughter, but he couldn’t face it.

‘Giving something back to the sport is so rewarding . . . ‘

‘It was just too much pressure,’ he reflects. ‘I thought, ‘I can see it on the screens . . . I’m just going to stay out here and watch it from afar’.’ Glasgow was the pair’s first Commonwealth Games. Birmingham this summer - as part of an impressive allocation of 18 Scottish officials - will be their second. Moira has been selected as a field Official and Brian, as he was in Glasgow, is part of the technical team. The Nisbets got into officiating through their children (John and Jayne) and supported whatever activities they chose to get involved with. In doing so, they also did their part for that particular group or organisation.

Moira and Brian Nisbet reminisce on their journey as Officials By Katy Barden

‘Grandad!’, came the small voice from the crowd. Brian Nisbet looked up. He knew he shouldn’t react - Officials are briefed not to - but this was a special occasion. It was the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (2014), and his young granddaughter Lucie was in the crowd with her parents to support his own daughter, Jayne, who was competing in the high jump.

so I made a slight exception and I paused briefly to say ‘hello’.’ Glasgow 2014 was a memorable family experience for Brian and Moira Nisbet, husband and wife and respected Officials. ‘It was just fantastic,’ says Moira. ‘Personally, it was lovely to see Jayne compete. She made it through to the final which was amazing and we were very proud of her, but overall, it was just an amazing time.’

Moira was the final call room manager in Glasgow, but she was given permission to go and watch Jayne. Brian, who was in the technical team, was involved with the ‘I could hear this wee person as clear as day, horizontal jumps and was given special ‘Something like that you can never forget,’ says the Edinburgh AC Official.

‘You appreciate that everybody needs to put themselves forward,’ says Moira. ‘It’s about supporting your child and helping at the same time.’ When Jayne took up athletics, it didn’t take long for the pair to get involved. ‘Somebody said to me: ‘We need a parent to help. . . would you like to come and put this high jump bar up?’,’ remembers Moira. ‘I said, ‘that’s fine’, then the club said, ‘Actually, we really need qualified Officials, would you mind just doing a wee exam for athletics?’. ‘We had really good encouragement from the other Officials at the club and we’ve just worked our way up. We’ve been really lucky because Edinburgh AC has been a wonderful club to be part of.’ Their highlights to date are many and varied. ‘Here’s a wee story for you,’ says Brian.

Jayne Nisbet competes in the High Jump at Hampden

‘I was the equipment officer at a Grand Prix in Birmingham. There’s a wee room where the equipment officer is based and there’s a wee hatch where the top half of the door opens. ‘Mo Farah had just finished his race and he comes along the corridor, and he stops at my door, and he says to me, ‘I’ve always wondered what happens in this little room’. I said, ‘Well, if you’ve got time then I’ll explain it to you.’ He spent about five to six minutes in this wee room listening to me telling him what happens, then off he went. I’ll never forget that.’

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They also attended the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics as Games Makers. The selection process for Officials

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Officials

‘You appreciate that everybody needs to put themselves forward,’ says Moira was taking place just as they qualified as Level 4 - the international standard - so they knew they’d miss out, but they made sure they didn’t miss the occasion.

Our Officials for Birmingham 2022

‘We’ve got so many special memories,’ says Moira.

The Scottish Officials heading for Birmingham this summer are:

‘We feel very honoured to be helping the athletes. It’s lovely to see youngsters come through from the YDL (Youth Development League), then all of a sudden you see them at the Diamond League, Commonwealth Games or Olympics or Paralympics, and you’ve been part of their story.’

Field

‘I remember watching Josh Kerr, Chris O’Hare, Jake Wightman . . .’ says Brian. ‘We’ve travelled on the bus to YDL with them, we’ve stayed in hotels with them, and we’ve told them off for being too late. Now look at what they’ve gone on to do.’ For all that Brian and Moira Nisbet give to officiating, they believe they get back in equal measure. ‘A big part of it for me is the social side, the camaraderie, and being with this team of like-minded people,’ says Brian. ‘It’s such a great family experience,’ adds Moira. ‘You start with your own children, you’re helping them to achieve their ambitions and succeed in what they want to do, and once they’re through it, you’ve still got that family of Officials around you that support you. It’s a rewarding experience. ‘I would encourage everybody – parents, grandparents, family, friends – if they’re out at an athletics track, give officiating a try and see how rewarding it can be. It’s just lovely to give back to the sport.’

Norma Bruce; Moira Nisbet; Pam Robertson; Marc Ritchie; Ricky Taylor; Nick Stone Eighteen Scottish Officials have been selected to officiate at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Selection for an international event of this scale is a great achievement and an endorsement of the skills and commitment of all those chosen – all at scottishathletics would like to extend our congratulations.

Track Alastair Aitchison; Brian Brown; James Callander; Rob Dalziel; Margaret-Ann MacLachlan; Joyce Wighton

Tech Team

Officials Commission Convenor Margaret Brown expressed her own pride at the selection.

Brian Nisbet; Mark Stringer

‘I would like to warmly congratulate all 18 of our Scottish Officials who have been selected for the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham,’ said Margaret.

Janice MacFarlane

‘It’s a great achievement, well deserved for our hard-working colleagues. ‘Athletics has had its challenges during the last two years because of the Covid pandemic but our Officials stepped up and contributed hugely during this time and are now justly rewarded for doing so. ‘I wholeheartedly congratulate all Officials selected as NTOs (National Technical Officials) and wish them good luck for a successful and enjoyable Games.’

Technical Information Centre

Call Room Jason Pender

Marathon Dave Cairns

Jury of Appeal Shona Malcolm (International Technical Official)

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Unﬁnished business

Celtic Nations XC events and the London Mini Marathon – which he raced for the second time in April 2014. ‘It has been a while since I raced in a Scotland vest at events like those,’ recalled the Edinburgh AC athlete who spent much of the intervening years in the United States. ‘That was back in my mid-teens so it is a while ago now. But the experiences of those events has helped put me where I am now. ‘I went into those trying to learn from it and they were major events for me at that time. I didn’t always win or make the podium. It was about testing yourself out and seeing if you could be competitive.

Team Scotland vests so precious for our Class of 2022

aura Muir has already celebrated over ten years at the top of athletics in Britain – with her first GB and NI vest having arrived via cross country late in 2011. She has five European titles to her name, World Indoor medals and, of course, that coveted silver from the Olympics last summer when a podium place meant so much after previous near misses at outdoor global champs.

to having that backing in the Alexander Stadium.’ If Laura harbours Hampden regrets then her training partner, Jemma Reekie, was only making her way in the sport at that time.

For Sammi Kinghorn, an appearance this summer follows on from Hampden and Gold Coast as the wheelchair racer – who favours the sprint events – prepares again for middle distance action.

‘I’ve seen my situation around Birmingham described as ‘unfinished business’ and I have to agree with that because that is how I feel about it,’ she said.

‘Four years later, as Gold Coast 2018 came around, I was completing my degree at University and the final exams clashed with the Commonwealths. ‘So I’d dearly love to win a medal for Team Scotland at Birmingham 2022. Getting on that podium wearing the Scotland vest is very much a goal. ‘My family will be here and there’s a large contingent making travel plans. Family support means so much and I am really looking forward

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Kirsty Law’s Commonwealth connection stretches back a further 12 years from 2014. The discus thrower competed at Hampden but back in 2002 the youngster from Inverness was involved in the Queen’s Baton Relay for the 2002 Games in Manchester! After missing out on Australia in 2018, Kirsty has raised her levels in recent years with GB and Ni appearances, British Championship medals and a PB that’s over 60m.

But, with Birmingham 2022 now looming on the horizon, Laura has a very clear label to attach to her Team Scotland involvement and the Commonwealth Games. And to put right.

‘I was very young at Glasgow 2014 but it still didn’t go the way I had hoped in that 1500m final at Hampden.

‘The approach is the same now for major championships at global, Commonwealth or European level.’

‘I was fifth in Glasgow and fourth in Gold Coast, so obviously my aim is to try and make it on the podium,’ said Sammi. The Reekie family had tickets for Glasgow 2014 and the Commonwealth action stirred the competitive streak in the 16-year-old. ‘It was the first real major event I had attended and it helped motivate me more to try and do well in the sport,’ said Jemma. A year later, the Kilbarchan AAC runner missed out the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa (for athletes aged 16 and 17). ‘It was a target I was aiming for and it was a big disappointment at that time – I really wanted to try and make that team and head to Samoa,’ said Jemma. ‘Ever since then I’ve been telling myself ‘I need to make the Commonwealths’. ‘So I am sure it is going to be a big thrill and great honour to wear the Team Scotland vest in Birmingham 2022.’ Josh Kerr was wearing a Scotland vest around that time, but only at the likes of

‘I’m really looking forward to it and I feel very lucky to have a Games in Britain where friends and family can come along and cheer me on. It’s going to be incredible.’ Birmingham beckons for those with unfinished business, a debut to relish or even 20 years on from carrying the Queen’s Baton at Loch Ness . . .

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PB Big Interview

Fraser Clyne However, Aberdeen University offered Clyne the chance to seriously pursue a different sporting discipline.

New route for a longrunning love story

‘When I was at Uni, I had always enjoyed running so I joined the cross country club and was fortunate to meet a lot of good people,’ recalled Fraser. ‘Steve Taylor, who was a mature student at the time, took me under his wing and gave me a lot of encouragement and help. He had been a Scottish champion and international and he pointed me in the right direction. ‘I could see improvement very quickly so I joined Aberdeen Athletic Club where I got involved with guys like Mel Edwards and Alastair Wood. Mel especially was a great inspiration.

But don’t dare mention retirement to Fraser Clyne The late, great Bill Shankly once insisted the word ‘retirement’ should be struck from the dictionary. The Liverpool FC legend’s assessment would meet with Fraser Clyne’s approval. He shut his reporter’s notebook in the spring after covering athletics in Scotland’s north east for three decades. But do not dare suggest retirement to the former athlete, who won the Scottish Senior Marathon title on no fewer than five occasions prior to that second career as a journalist. It’s clear Fraser will have plenty to keep him occupied . . .

‘I hate the word retirement,’ he insisted. ‘As you go through life you change direction, you do different things. I’m not the sort of guy who will ever be doing nothing. ‘I’ll be 67 this year and I’ve reached the stage where there are other things I want to do. Firstly I want to have some time for myself and my family but there are other projects too. ‘I’ve always been interested in the history of athletics locally and have been doing some research into that. ‘I’d like to find out a bit more about that as there was a lot going on in the early days of athletics in the north east which hasn’t been recorded. ‘I’m involved with Arbroath FC and I’m the club historian and statistician. I’ve always wanted to write a proper history of the club which has never been done.

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‘I had two years at Glasgow Uni so ran for them before coming back to Aberdeen where the main part of my career was with Aberdeen AAC. My peak years were with them.’

American win was big breakthrough Those peak years included some pretty significant moments with Clyne announcing his arrival on the international stage following a landmark win in the United States. ‘By good fortune I got the opportunity to run in California in 1983 in the Oakland Marathon. It was just across the bay from San Francisco and I managed to win it. ‘It opened other doors for me in America so I went back to Oakland the following year and won it again before going to Sacramento in December of 1984 which was the US Championship race. ‘That was my big breakthrough as I finished second, running my best time of 2:11.50. I think it’s the fifth fastest of all time by a Scot and it is still the Aberdeen record.’

‘It has been an ongoing project for about 30 Commonwealth Games dream years but has stalled in the last decade as I turned sour haven’t had the time so I am keen to go back Those successes led to Clyne being named to that. in the Scotland team for the Commonwealth ‘Being able to spend a little more time Games in Edinburgh in 1986. running would be nice too. I do a park run It proved to be a bittersweet moment for the every so often but nothing serious. Aberdonian. ‘I’m running but not a lot, maybe three or ‘I have mixed emotions about that one,’ he four times a week at the very most. I know reflected. some people will say that’s enough but it’s low key.’ ‘I was 10th in what was probably my worst year with injuries. It was so frustrating going From aspiring footballer to into that race knowing I was nowhere near marathon runner 100%. I gave it my all . . . but it wasn’t the way I wanted it to be. Clyne’s love of sport was clear from a young age but he quickly realised his dream ‘It was still a great honour nonetheless. of playing football as his father did with Representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Games is not something everyone achieves. Arbroath was not likely to materialise.

PB Big Interview

Fraser Clyne once his father told him it didn’t matter if you had an Olympic medal, if you haven’t won the Morpeth to Newcastle it doesn’t count. ‘I still have pride in the fact in Aberdeen I still have the club record for 3000 metres which is pretty short for me. I was talking to some of the guys recently and they are going to have a go at beating it this summer. ‘I told them it’s about time as it has been my record for 40-odd years. Surely it’s time someone beat it.’

Runner turned reporter A keen writer and contributor to newspapers as a teenager, when the chance to cover the sport he loved came his way Clyne was only too happy to grab that particular baton.

Clyne’s highest global ranking was 40th in the world. He was also recognised as fourth fastest in Britain - but the three men ahead of him were formidable. ‘The three guys ahead of me were Steve Jones, the world record holder at the time; Charlie Spedding, who was the Olympic bronze medallist that year and Jeff Smith, who won the Boston Marathon. ‘British marathon running was at an all-time high and it was just fantastic to be around.’

Domestic highlights in Scotland and England

Little did he think his coverage for Aberdeen Journals would last more than three decades. ‘Once my own athletics career began to wind down in the early 1990s I was quite keen to promote what was going on in the sport as I don’t think there was anyone covering athletics in a big way. ‘As the years have gone by, and I must credit Aberdeen Journals for this, they have given more and more space for athletics. ‘It got to the point until lockdown I was writing for the Press and Journal Monday, Tuesday and Friday and the Evening Express on Thursday and Saturday. So it was full-on.

‘It’s something I’ve enjoyed doing because the main aim was to promote the sport and As he reached the veteran stages of his career, Clyne focused on Scottish and British what people locally were achieving. events and there are two competitions in ‘Seeing people develop has been great fun. particular which he holds in high regard. The whole time I’ve done this I’ve followed top athletes from when they were young ‘I won the Scottish Marathon championship right through. five times,’ he added, without a trace of boastfulness. ‘I never ran it until I was past my best as there was always other things going on. I had decided I couldn’t go through my career and not win a Scottish marathon title.

‘I took great pride in winning that race because when you look at the names on the trophy over the years it is a who’s who of British distance running. ‘I remember Brendan Foster saying to me

‘I have along with Robbie (Simpson) a wee running group which we coach every week either in Aberdeen or Banchory and I do some other coaching,’ he said. ‘So life will still be busy – it always has been. I will keep watching too and follow what people are doing of course but at the same time I will enjoy not having to write about every event!’ *This article by Paul Third first appeared in the Press and Journal. Peter Jardine ‘I’ve been involved in comms with Scottish Athletics for over 10 years now and it was apparent to me early on that Fraser Clyne was a huge asset for the sport. ‘In fact, I used to think athletes in Aberdeen and the surrounding area were the most fortunate in Scotland – they not only have fantastic facilities at Aberdeen Sports Village but they had endless promotion, profile and support offered by Fraser! ‘I can think of countless athletes whose careers he tracked from their early emergence to senior success across a number of disciplines; from track and field to hill running to roads to cross country to ultra. ‘We worked quite closely over the years and Fraser’s knowledge, attention to detail, enthusiasm and sensitivity shone brightly.

‘The first one I won I was 37 and I think I was 43 when I won my last one so I was squeezing them in at the end. ‘There is a race no longer held, the Morpeth to Newcastle race which was held on New Year’s Day. It ran from 1902 until not too long ago as the police stopped it. The route was on the A1 and was becoming dangerous.

Clyne may have called it a day as a journalist but it is clear his love for the sport is as strong as it ever was and he plans on still being involved.

‘In the case of Zoey Clark it has been from almost her first race right through to becoming an Olympic athlete. ‘There’s Robbie Simpson too. I covered him running the schools races at Balmoral to becoming a Commonwealth Games medallist. ‘It’s been great to chart that but also scary to think it has been that long.’

‘I understand that even into 2022 he was writing around eight athletics stories per week for Aberdeen Journals which is around 400 year; a big burden for him but one he shouldered willingly in order to project the sport. Thanks for your support, Fraser; it has been hugely appreciated.’

scottishathletics

Grassroots Athletics

#LindsaysXC

Numbers game Club tally rises again for 2022 Lindsays Trophy

an Beattie moved on from his role as our Chair after nine years in 2021 and took up an important and influential position with UK Athletics. But his love for cross country in Scotland in particular remains undimmed and he took time out from a busy schedule to present Giffnock North AC with the Lindsays Trophy. The Glasgow club once again topped our participation table of finishers at the three Lindsays Cross Country Season national events at Perth, Lanark and Falkirk over the 2021-22 season. It was an emphatic return after next to no events in 2020-21 and most encouraging of all was that a remarkable 115 clubs were listed in the Lindsays Trophy final table (as having had at least one finisher at those three events). When our sponsorship started, the event was confined to the National XC only and there were around 80 clubs listed. ‘We’ve sponsored the Cross Country Season in Scotland for a number of years and are delighted with the agreement,’ said Ian, MBE, and Chief Operating Officer with Lindsays, who was joined by Giffnock’s GB U20 international Hamish Armitt to make the presentation. ‘I strongly believe we are in a great period for athletics across Scotland, with the success of our elite athletes proving an inspiration at all levels. ‘The fact there were 115 clubs competing in this competition stands testament to the remarkable impact that the sport is having

Giffnock youngsters with the Pat Spence Trophy and the Lindsays Trophy (photo by Bobby Gavin) in communities the length and breadth of the country. ‘As a firm, we are incredibly proud to be able to put Lindsays name to the Scottish Cross Country Season and to support athletics in Scotland. ‘The original idea behind presenting a Lindsays Trophy was to grow participation in the sport so it’s brilliant to see the number of clubs steadily rising. And joining Hamish for the presentation reminds us all what can be achieved as he had a great run at the Euro Cross in Dublin (for 10th place).’ With 242 athletes having competed, Giffnock were well clear of nearest rivals Edinburgh AC to land the trophy they won in 2019 and 2020. Garscube Harriers, winners in 2018, took third place. The Lindsays Trophy was handed over to Giffnock at a training night by Ian and Hamish with Mike Johnston, Convenor of the Road Running and Cross Country Commission, representing the huge contribution made by volunteers. All of the top ten clubs had more than 100 finishers which is terrific for the sport. The global pandemic hit cross country events hard in 2020-21 but thankfully the season returned in full over the past winter. Big turnouts at the Lindsays National Relays at Scone Palace and the Lindsays Short Course Champs at Lanark set up the February highlight – as the Lindsays National XC was staged at Falkirk after a two-year absence. Giffnock Endurance Coach Dudley Walker added: ‘We think the Lindsays Trophy is a great incentive to every club in Scotland – because it is about getting teams out there competing at national events. ‘Having more runners means deeper competition, a more exciting atmosphere and a more memorable day out for all, including the volunteers, relatives, parents and supporters.

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‘Claiming all six age group golds at the 2022 Lindsays National XC was the cherry on top.’

Hamish Armitt helped make presentation at the club’s training bases at Eastwood High School on Glasgow’s south side. His connection with cross country stretches back a number of years already and Hamish is in fact the only Giffnock North AC athlete to win gold at the Lindsays National XC at U13, U15 and U17 level. ‘The club always put an emphasis on competing in national events in cross country and it was always something I looked forward to when growing up,’ said Hamish. *There are two overall trophies on offer at the Lindsays National XC each year and Giffnock North AC are our 2022 winners of both of these – the AT Mays Trophy for overall performances in the male division and the Pat Spence Trophy for overall performances in the female division.

LINDSAYS TROPHY TOP TEN CLUBS Giffnock North 242 Edinburgh AC 199 Garscube Harriers 165 Cambuslang Harriers 160 Central AC 136 Corstorphine AAC 122 East Kilbride AC 122 Bellahouston Road Runners 107 Shettleston Harriers 105 Falkirk Victoria Harriers 101

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Grassroots Athletics

Ayr Seaforth

Big leap forward The club has clear objectives and while there are many recent individual highlights including a national triple jump record (U17) for Libby White and frame running world record for Kayleigh Haggo – collaboration is key to the next generation of success. ‘We’ve been having a lot of conversations with Active Schools who have been taking a lead role with the new community hub,’ says Marshall-Watt. ‘They have quite ambitious plans for Craigie’s long-term future and want to create a sporting school of excellence, so there’s a lot of development there across different sports and we’re having conversations with all of those partners. ‘It’s still in the early stages but we’re looking to embed Ayr Seaforth as a club better into the community.

Ayr Seaforth working to build on move to a new facility and their community outreach By Katy Barden As the legacy of Glasgow 2014 is overtaken by the promise of what’s to come in Birmingham 2022, Ayr Seaforth AC’s committee has grasped the opportunity to maximise the club’s potential at a time when its new facility is providing a catalyst for change. Based at Dam Park Stadium in Ayr since its formation in 1961, the club will soon be relocating to a new Community Sports Hub in Craigie. Community Sports Hubs bring together clubs and key local partners who want to develop and grow the sporting offering in the community. They focus on sustainable,

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community-led approaches that get clubs working together to develop welcoming, safe, and fun environments for sport. The landmark project is expected to be completed later this year and will feature an eight-lane 400m track, 60m indoor track, field events area, 3G all-weather pitch, accessible changing areas, and a purposebuilt all-seated grandstand. Amongst the many memories Ayr Seaforth will leave behind are those linked to its Commonwealth Games throwing cage, a Hampden hand-me-down, but the club is reluctant to dwell on the past when its future is full of exciting possibilities. ‘There’s no indoor training space at Dam Park, so a big bonus is that the new facility will have indoor sprints and jumps, which will be transformative,’ says club secretary William Marshall-Watt of the new campus.

‘Historically, the club has managed to stand on its own two feet and really just work in isolation. We’ve benefited from some great leaders who have come in and spent many years steering the club forward. ‘But times have changed. We’ve had the pandemic and we’re trying to recover from that. We’re now looking at how we secure the long-term future of the club and make sure it’s on stable ground, so it’s great that we have the option to lean on our partners and tap into their resources, because we’re really going to need that in the future.’ Affiliation with Active Schools’ ‘Club Ready’ programme has been beneficial for Ayr Seaforth in terms of accessing support for their club development plans, free coach education and resources for talented athletes, and support for athletes and their families where there may be barriers to participation. ‘Again, it’s about taking steps to embed the club into the community and build links,’ says Marshall-Watt. Crucial to that objective is the recruitment of a new club development officer (Kirstin Oakley) - made possible due to a successful

Grassroots Athletics

Ayr Seaforth

application for impact funding - to help expand participation in athletics into the Ayr North community where there is a higher rate of deprivation. ‘We looked at our past membership base and we noticed from the data that we had low membership rates from children in the Ayr North community,’ says Marshall-Watt. ‘We want to increase our membership from children from within that area, plus our volunteer base, and get them involved in the club. Physically we’re located in that area and Ayr Academy is next to the new facility, so it makes sense.’ Marshall-Watt is proud of the club’s commitment to community and stakeholder engagement: ‘Coming into the club, from what I’ve heard, I think in the past there was quite a big focus on performance athletics, so I think this is a shift for the club. ‘We’re really focused on the communitybased side and working closely with Active Schools. One example is what Kirstin is doing right now, delivering athletics sessions on behalf of Active Schools for children in P5-7 and in S1, but branded as ‘Ayr Seaforth’. ‘They do a block of sessions and then it’s about linking them to the club and showing what we can offer them. It’s a great experience for us. It’s the biggest collaboration we’ve done and we’re excited about it. ‘This is a big year in terms of competition, so we’re going to see interest in athletics grow based on the Commonwealths, Worlds and Europeans. Then of course there’s interest in the new facility, so we want to capitalise on that. ‘We expect this one to be a slow burner. It’s very phased and we’re doing it in a controlled and steady way because it’s all quite new to us, but we’re confident this link with Active Schools is the beginning of something special and we’re excited about what the future holds for the club.’

Hubbard family ties Heard the one about the three sisters who were the first athletes home for their club at the Tru Wealth Scottish 10k Champs? It happened at Roon the Toon when team ‘Family Hubbard’ combined effectively for Ayr Seaforth. U20 athlete Morven had already claimed a bronze medal at the Scottish 10,000m Champs at Crownpoint in April. Morven clocked 39:34 at Kilmarnock to add to a 41:36 time for U17 Iona and and 42:55 from Islay, (also U20), on her debut for the distance.

from events he organised in the 1980s and 1990s. ‘Before he came to Scotland, Gramps was an excellent sportsman in cross country, tennis, golf or football. He told us stories about winning a big school cross country event in South Africa when all the focus had been on another athlete who was seen as hot favourite. ‘He came to Rangers as a teenager and stayed ten years. He was admired for his penalty record (65 scored from 68 taken) and his book is called ‘The Penalty King’.

Football fans of a certain vintage – and certainly Rangers supporters - should recognise the surname.

‘When the girls started with Ayr Seaforth, he would be at the offices of the local paper midweek awaiting publication to see their names.’

The late Johnny Hubbard played for Rangers, Bury and Ayr United in a fine career which started when the South African came to Glasgow in 1949. Indeed, Jonny arrived for a three-month trial aged 18 and stayed in Scotland for a lifetime!

The endurance genes, however, did not miss a generation. Raymond at one stage held a world record for three marathons in three days (before these kind of attempts became more frequent) and he has 2:30 PB. He also competed over 24-hours indoors.

What’s certain is that recent athletics achievements by his grand-daughters would have thrilled Johnny, who passed away in 2018.

Ultra runner Susie, for her part, was one of six Ayr Seaforth athletes to complete the West Highland Way race in June – with support from Raymond and help along the way from Morven and Iona.

‘My husband Raymond is Johnny’s son and we have three girls and a boy (Struan) and have been members of Ayr Seaforth for many years,’ said mum Susie. ‘Gramps (as we call Johnny) was always very proud of their achievements and very keen for them to be involved in sport. ‘He was in sport development in Ayr after his football career and will be well-known to many folk across Ayrshire and beyond

‘All three girls are very much into their athletics and are loving being back competing in events after the Covid shutdowns,’ added Susie. ‘Morven took a real boost from the Scottish 10,000m track bronze, Iona has won West District and Schools medals and Islay really enjoyed her first race at 10k.’

scottishathletics

Grassroots Athletics

Kinross Road Runners

Flying the ﬂag for Kinross

By Katy Barden

esser known that their higher profile neighbours such as Pitreavie AAC and Fife AC, Kinross Road Runners with a membership of 126 - are punching above their weight. In March, the club’s W40 team took a ‘surprise’ bronze at the TruWealth National Road Relays. Club president Ann Malcolm believes they could have finished second had she not muddled up the team order, but it was a forgivable error. It was only a race, and in the grand scheme of things – most notably the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine – the club’s charitable performance the following weekend, raising in excess of £5000 for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Appeal, merits even greater recognition. To show their support for Ukraine, club members came up with the idea of running for 24 hours, starting with Loch Leven

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parkrun. In total they ran over 1000 miles and raised £5340 - including a £1000 donation from the club. ‘Around 60 of our members signed up to run anything from 30 minutes to 24 hours and we had some real heroes,’ says Ann. ‘One of our members ran 110 miles over the 24 hours, with another running 100K in 12 hours. Many members dropped in and ran several times. It was the sort of thing that once you got folk there, they kept running, or they’d come back and do another little bit. ‘As it happens our club colours are blue and yellow (the colours of Ukraine), so that was another incentive. The event brought us together and the atmosphere was fantastic. We all really enjoyed it and I’m so proud of everyone.’ Kinross Road Runners was founded in 1985 after a forward-thinking husband and wife decided to write to all local entrants of that year’s Loch Leven Half Marathon, suggesting that a running club would meet a demand in the community. Perhaps unusually, the club is made up of predominantly masters athletes. The most likely explanation is that it’s representative of the local population demographic, but the fact that there’s no track in the immediate area is also a factor. The club’s oldest member is 86 years old and still active. Having been introduced to virtual challenges during the coronavirus lockdown, he’s now embracing the opportunities he has to explore local routes

without the pressure of time or pace. Younger athletes tend to move away if they have an interest in track, but that doesn’t mean Kinross is without a legacy. Great Britain and Scotland stars Laura Muir (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers) and Eilidh Doyle (Pitreavie AAC) both grew up in the area and attended Kinross High School. Although not members, they’ve retained links to the club either directly or through their families. Similarly, Ann’s son Gregor (Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds, previously Fife AC) and Annabel Simpson (Fife AC) are former members of Kinross Road Runners and have made a name for themselves in the sport. Gregor, who as a child sat alongside his mum at committee meetings in their kitchen, is president of Edinburgh University Sports Union and a former winner of the 4J Studios scottishathletics Volunteer of the Year award, primarily due to his role in organising the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Cross Country Championships in Holyrood Park in February 2020. Annabel is running exceptionally well and has achieved a host of PBs this year. Kinross Road Runners’ performance and charitable efforts are significant as is, evidently, its organisational legacy handed down through the Malcolm family. It’s true that the club might not have the high profile of those well-known neighbouring clubs. But, importantly, their light shines just as brightly.

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Grassroots Athletics

Coaching

Watching PBs makes it all worthwhile for Perth stalwart Jim By Matt Gallagher Perthshire Advertiser

he smiles on the faces continue to motivate him.

A youngster perfecting a new skill for the first time, achieving a personal best or simply enjoying being part of the club that has become so very close to his heart. It is all massively rewarding for Jim Hunter. His association with Perth Strathtay Harriers stretches back more than four decades and includes time as an athlete, coach and now President. He is not one for basking in success, but he is deserving of it. And this summer Jim was recognised in the Queen’s Jubilee Honours when he received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to inclusion in sport. ‘It’s a whole team of volunteers – I’m just the one who is sometimes the voice,’ smiled Jim (60), from Perth.

Learning never stops He never refuses a request, taking his little personal free time and donating it along with his expertise. As club President and an active coach, both voluntary roles, he spends upwards of 20 hours a week making sure that the club is operating efficiently, managing all the coaches and volunteers as well as making sure all the athletes in the club receive quality sessions.

with some really good athletes over the years, what motivates me the most is seeing that smile on a youngster’s face when they achieve. ‘It might seem insignificant but it is lovely when you watch someone achieve something for the first time. And when you see improvements, that also keeps me motivated.’

‘I started off as a schoolboy involved with the Jim also worked in partnership with Harriers,’ Jim recalled. scottishathletics and Scottish Association for Mental Health to deliver the Get into ‘To be honest, I was a club athlete and Summer athletics programme which was Jim started coaching more than 40 years okay at it but I enjoyed the social aspect of ago and developed into an outstanding training. As I realised I was never going to aimed at 11 to 19 year-olds. coach, before taking up the reins as club get far from a performance point of view, I President over a decade ago. A major benefit of this programme was turned my attention to coaching. the focus on mental wellbeing and physical He has encouraged and enabled frame ‘The Harriers supported me going through activity which was included in sessions. runners, wheelchair users and able-bodied my early days of qualifications. I remember athletes all using the track at the same time. going through the route of getting qualified His influence has developed the club beyond as a coach and have just continued to learn. a simple athletics organisation into a facility This environment, as Jim mentioned, has been created and steered by him with which is accessible to the local and wider ‘That is the great thing about sport in support from the volunteers within the club. general. As long as you don’t stop learning, community and has had the direct effect of you continue to stimulate yourself.’ building confidence and focus and improving As well as coaching at the club, Jim delivers mental health where it is most needed. athletics within the local schools, signposting Jim, speaking as passionately as ever, potential athletes to the club. continued: ‘All of the wee ones over the Despite the hurdles of the Covid-19 years, well, now they are no longer wee pandemic, Jim’s drive and determination to He and other club coaches have delivered ones. athletics as part of after-school taster provide the best environment possible for sessions at the request of active schools. ‘They bring their kids and grandkids down members did not falter. to visit the club. There are generations who And he has been invited to deliver athletics come through here. He added: ‘From what we’ve gone through in coaching to other organisations such as the last couple of years, it could be easy to Perth Autism Support, Perth & Kinross ‘I have built up so many friendships through say it’s too much hassle and not worth it. Disability Sport, Physios, the Blind Society the years and it’s just great the amount of and Support, Help and Integration in people who have touched my life, as well as ‘But I always remember the smiling faces Perthshire. I’ve touched theirs. and that is why I do this. I still enjoy giving up PB 2022 | ISSUE 2 ‘Although I’ve been fortunate enough to work my time. I’ve been very lucky over the years.’ ‘I could not do this without a whole load of great folk around me.’

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Coaching HeaderR

‘You can’t have a ﬁxed mindset as a coach. You have to develop your learning through each athlete.’ Coaching Profile: Alison Grey What is your athletics background? I competed in shot put and discus until aged 27. I reached Commonwealth Games standard, competing for Scotland in the Games in Victoria, Canada in 1994. I really enjoyed the opportunities that athletics gave me, especially being able to explore the world and experience the higher level competition and all the benefits that brings. Unfortunately, injury curtailed my career and I gradually petered out of competitive athletics.

It was a big learning curve, but it taught me a lot about different training methods for different groups, the crossovers and what different training approaches brought to each athlete’s development. I had already done my Assistant Coaching qualification in 1995 whilst still competing due to rupturing my ACL. I completed my coaching qualifications in 2000 after retiring as an athlete. At this time I was also working full-time. I was a civil servant for 13 years then, not long after finishing competing, I moved into sports development and I am now with scottishathletics as Coaching Coordinator plus a remit to help develop throws athletes and coaches.

Although there are some parameters to develop your athlete physically, technically and, ever more importantly, tactically, you have to mould around the athlete rather than the other way round. Every athlete is different, and you won’t get the best out of an athlete if you try to mould them around a set programme. It is important to find out what works for that athlete and not be too fixed in your mindset. It is important to give them the basics – when you start out you have all the information, you are learning how to develop physical literacy, developing their strength levels and approach to competition but then it takes lots of and trial and error.

What keeps you motivated? I really enjoy it especially the interaction with athletes, the time you spend with the athlete supporting their journey and developing trust with each other. The motivation of working with the athletes is key. Helping an athlete develop to be the best they can be keeps me going – and, also, recognising if that isn’t working and having that difficult conversation about an athlete maybe moving on to a different environment. Dealing with success and failure is important – it isn’t easy but you do need to be there for them when it doesn’t go well as well as when it does. When the outcome is positive it motivates me to keep going.

What brought you into coaching? I coach independently now as it gives me What do you consider your more flexibility to work with athletes from How long have you been biggest achievement from a different clubs and out of different facilities. I coaching and in what field? use Grangemouth which has indoor, outdoor, coach perspective? Initially it was because I wasn’t ready for anything else. I was so used to routine – I was so disciplined about when to eat, when to train, when to sleep and so on.

a throws net area and all the facilities I need.

I wasn’t really prepared for athletics to not be a big part of my life and wasn’t ready to have evenings to myself! So I went back to the club where I started as an athlete, Livingston AC.

Currently I have one athlete with the U17 I also support some combined event athletes Scottish shot outdoor record and another and coaches who I just provide with throwing U17 indoor shot record. and technical coaching. I don’t constitute It is all about the athlete reaching their them as my athletes but I hope I contribute potential for me, so I am as proud of those to their development. who get their first medal as those who go All are generally U20s or U23 age groups right on to represent Scotland and GB. and are talented athletes looking for I am as proud of the first girl I coached specialist technical throwing. who won a long jump medal at the East What is your coaching of Scotland champs when I first started coaching (now 37) as I am of U17 record philosophy? holders now. After 20 years of coaching I have learned not to have a fixed mindset as a coach. You *With thanks to British Athletics need to develop your learning through your scottishathletics athletes.

When I first went back, I assisted one of the coaches who had coached me as a child and did a mixture of sprints, middle distance and horizontal jumps with only a few throwers. I started by assisting him and then transitioned into leading a group. In hindsight this was probably a good thing as it gave me a broad all-round understanding of all the different event groups and the overlap of training and how to put some run sessions in for throwers and so on.

I have athletes from across central Scotland, predominantly throwers. My core group are shot and discus athletes.

Most of my athletes are 17 to 24 age group so we are looking to get to U20, U23 level for Scotland or GB.

Grassroots Athletics

Coaching

‘When Sarah was picked for GB, we were just as chuﬀed as she was’ Linda Smith on the joy of coaching

t can be difficult at times to find the right words to summarise what coaching entails. Or, indeed, who makes a good coach and the skillset needed. The role is multi-faceted: a coach can be psychologist, physiotherapist, an expert on diet and nutrition, cheer-leader or either ‘good cop’ or ‘bad cop’. Some athletes might even see their coach as a surrogate parent. Coaching qualifications and experience will help the coach’s personal development, of course. And then there is the inspiration and motivation that come with representative selections for athletes – be that at District, Scottish Student Sport, Scotland or even GB and NI level. Linda Smith has coached endurance at Lasswade AC with her husband Kirk for a number of years. The couple have enjoyed significant success – they were jointly our Club Coach of the Year award winners in 2018 – and there

PB 2022 | ISSUE 2

have been coveted GB vests in recent years for two of their athletes, Lauren Dickson (hill running) and Sarah Tait (steeplechase) ‘Most of the athletes that we’ve had since I started coaching, we’ve brought them through from a really young age,’ explained Linda. ‘As a club and as coaches we’ve then sought to progress them through all the age groups and we’ve been really lucky to be honest. We’ve been working with a group of athletes that were always towards the top of their age group and we’ve managed to keep them progressing every year.

‘As coaches, Kirk and I have learned along the way, too, so while they were learning and improving then hopefully so were we. ‘We’ve adjusted training as we’ve gone along and gained coaching experience ourselves. The athletes have matured where they can do their sessions themselves now if need be. ‘It was great last year, Sarah Tait managed

Grassroots Athletics

Coaching

Women coaches urged to ‘Go for it!’

Linda and Kirk Smith received their Club Coach of the Year award in 2018 from Eilidh Doyle

Female coaches in Scotland should have no reservations about stepping up the levels and taking further qualifications. That’s the message from Linda, who coaches endurance at Lasswade AC and has been involved in Scotland teams as to get her U23 selection with GB and NI for the European Championships and so we were just as chuffed as she was. We were very proud and really happy that we were able to bring her through to that level. So, yes, it was a big achievement for us as well as for Sarah and her family of course.

great experience to go on the teams.’

‘We’ve got a new group of young kids coming through now – there are a few good ones there so hopefully we’ll repeat what we’ve just gone through.’

‘The UK course was something I was put forward for by scottishathletics and I was delighted to be selected,’ she explained.

The UK Women’s Coaching Programme was across a number of sports, thus allowing Linda to assess parallels and differences as well as make new contacts to share information.

Growing knowledge takes time but Linda and Kirk have now been on East District and Scotland teams to help their own progression as coaches.

‘It’s a programme with about 20 other women coaches from across different sports. So I’ve been hearing their coaching experience which has been interesting and it’s been a good way to network.

‘To be honest the opportunities that have come along from scottishathletics to go into teams and in the last couple years we’ve managed to do most of them – and that helps your overall perspective,’ added Linda.

‘The course makes you reflect on your coaching - we’ve been involved in development sessions where we go along and watch a development session happening in Loughborough. That’s been helpful.

‘Kirk was away with the East District team for Inter-Counties XC. I didn’t go on that occasion that because I was about to go back down to Loughborough for the final Women’s Coaching Programme.

‘Another aspect has been to try and be better at coach-athlete relationships.

‘That’s the only time that I’ve really had to turn down anything like that. But it’s been

‘So when that finishes I will come back and see where I think we (Kirk and myself) can improve on coach-athlete relationships and generally just get more confident in our coaching.’

well as recently being selected for a UK Women in Coaching programme which stretches beyond athletics. ‘I think if you like the sport, or if it’s a sport that you’ve been involved in, and you want to get involved in coaching, I’d definitely say ‘go for it’,’ said Linda. ‘You can start at entry level and then work your way through like I did. Invariably at clubs there’s someone who is looking for more coaches, especially women. At Lasswade, we definitely encourage women to come in and coach and we would help them progress on their pathway as well. ‘So, yes, definitely I would say to other women to pursue coaching. If you want to coach then it’s something that you can do; don’t be scared of it. ‘I will ask anybody that can help me for any guidance along the way. There are quite a few coaches in Scotland, women coaches, that are doing really well just

‘The UK course was something something I was put forward for by scottishathletics and I was delighted to be selected...’

now. Linda Nicholson’s doing really great work with the jumps and obviously Carol Sharp is at a high level. ‘So there are people out there who are showing the way if you like. I would certainly encourage it. Personally I just want to progress and get as far with coaching as I can.’

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