Learning from our Olympians: Eilish on body image, enough sleep and asking training questions
Eilish McColgan and Laura Muir have no fewer than seven Olympic appearances between them – and multiple medals across international championship events.
When our Young People’s Forum Conference gathered in March to consider the theme ‘Inspiring the Next Generation’, Eilish and Laura helped us with video content on some key messages for young (and older) athletes.
We’re delighted now to highlight that advice via a short ‘Learn from our Olympians’ series.
Today, we start with Eilish and key advice on body image, sleep and learning more about your training . . .
Learning curve: YPF Conference hits the right notes
Eilish McColgan has competed for Team GB at no fewer than four Olympics – a record for any Scot in track, field and marathon.
It has been quite a journey and thankfully Eilish isn’t shy about sharing the benefit of her experience.
One of the areas our YPF are looking at over the current two-year programme is ‘Athlete Health’ taking in sensitive issues like Eating Disorders and Body Image.
Eilish has been outspoken in the past on online trolling about her and has important advice on this, the importance of sleep and being confident.
‘I’m often asked about body image,’ said Eilish.
‘It is something that I’ve always had to deal with particularly more so over the last couple of years in my career as I’ve had a bigger social media following.
‘When I won the Commonwealth Games 10,000m gold (at Birmingham 2022), people started to see my name a little bit more in competitions and see my name online. Unfortunately, with that came a lot of negativity around body image.
‘In some ways it is part and parcel from being on social media, accepting that there will be fantastic support and encouragement – but also a very small minority who ruin it for others.
‘A lot of the comments are regarding my appearance and the way my body looks – rather than focusing on performance and actually what my body can do. So I am very vocal about that. I speak out because I know the importance of fueling my body correctly.
‘I would not be where I am today having competed at four Olympics if I didn’t look after my body, fueling it the right way and just being good to it over the years. I think that’s really important to remember.
Yes, I’m lean. I’ve always been skinny. That’s just my natural body shape. You have to remember that what’s natural for one person again may not be natural for another athlete
‘I’ve been very fortunate throughout my career to not have any issues with regards to eating. I’ve always ate relatively well.
‘I mean I don’t follow a strict diet. I still have my little treats I like to have every day but that’s just what I enjoy doing to help make me happy.
‘Having chocolate or a dessert in the evening is not going to make me a bad runner. It’s about balance. A lot of my meals are healthy and we cook many from scratch.
‘But, yes, occasionally we’ll have probably a takeaway once a week and I am partial to a McDonald’s. I mean it. There’s no need to be restrictive.’
Eilish found winning gold in the Women’s 10,000m final at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games led to a bigger online profile (photo by Bobby Gavin)
Always very candid, Eilish admits there have been times when her lifestyle balance has been wrong.
‘When I was going through exams, when life was just a little bit more hectic, my recovery was definitely not quite there,’ she told us.
‘I wasn’t sleeping as much as I should; I was going out partying with my friends; so the increase in injuries was a lot more prevalent than it is now.
‘Sometimes when you are pushing yourself in training and competition, you push yourself to the limit and your body might break down. And at that time, if you are injured, you need to keep refueling as well to get through the rehab work.’
Eilish further outlines two more key areas athletes can focus on in their development: getting enough sleep and talking to their coach to have a better understanding of training goals.
‘Sleep is the other big thing that is incredibly important for an athlete,’ said the multiple Scottish and British Record holder.
‘Trying to just get as much sleep banked as possible to ensure that your body can can recover from those hard training sessions is vital.
Inspiring role model . . . Eilish on a photo shoot when back home in Dundee (photo via Lindsays)
‘You have to be aware that it’s not a one size fits all issue. There is not this perfect plan that fits every athlete around the world. But you need your sleep to recover.
‘Trial and error on training techniques and sessions is a good thing. Don’t be afraid to ask your coach questions, too.
‘Why am I doing these sessions? Why am I doing this at this point of the week. Or this point of the season?’
‘Get yourself educated if you can on the reasons behind the sessions and perhaps even the longer-term future plan. I think it is so important that you are part of that process.
‘If you eat right; sleep right; and learn more about what you and your coach are aiming for, then you will feel more confident. And confidence is massive.
‘Be yourself and don’t be afraid to show that to the world.’
That Paris 2024 hug as Eilish waited for fellow Scot Megan Keith at the end of the Women’s 10,000m final (Getty Images for British Athletics)
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Tags: Eilish McColgan, Laura Muir, Learning from our Olympians
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