How Sarah Tait went from commentary box to top of the podium . . .

Friday 20th August 2021

Midlothian Advertiser coverage on Lasswade AC athletes

Sarah Tait completed a fine season by landing the Senior Women’s 3000m steeplechase title at our 4J Studios Senior/U17 Champs on Sunday.

Clearing the barriers and picking up a gold medal also completed a busy weekend for the GB U23 international – as she went from commentary box to podium.

Sarah spent Saturday high in the stand at Grangemouth working in a co-commentary role for Vinco on our live stream coverage of the first National Championships for two years.

‘It is the end of my season and to win gold was a nice way to finish,’ said the Lasswade AC athlete.

Sarah, coached by Linda and Kirk Smith, won it in 10.40.61 from VP-Glasgow’s Holly Little and Emily McNicol of Law and District AC.

‘I felt the tiredness in my legs and probably need a break now. The highlight of the season was undoubtedly finishing fifth at the Euro U23s in Tallinn in Estonia last month.

‘I was really pleased with that as I went into it ranked eighth and it was two tough races in three days in very warm conditions – but my body coped pretty well.’

Photo by Bobby Gavin

WATCH: highlights reels from the 4J Studios Senior/U17 Champs

So what about her Vinco experience?

‘I decided I wanted to dip my toe in commentary and Vinco were happy to offer me the chance to do that,’ she said.

‘They gave me the chance to sit alongside their main commentator (Alex Seftel) on Saturday for a number of hours and I learned so much!

‘Alex was absolutely brilliant. How he can tell the athletes in a 100m race that only takes ten seconds I don’t know. I preferred the 1500m races where you have a wee bit more time to identify people.

‘So the whole day made me think more about the commentator’s role at athletics events; the people behind the scenes on the cameras and with the technology.

‘I really enjoyed being part of it and there’s a plan for me to do another day at the 4J Studios Age Groups in Aberdeen.’