‘Stick with it’ – key advice for young athletes as top Scots duo retire

Tuesday 1st September 2026

By Peter Jardine, Head of Communications

There were tears, medals and multiple photographs and selfies at Aberdeen Sports Village on Sunday.

That’s not unusual for day two of the 4J Scottish Senior Champs but this year definitely held added pathos as thrower Kirsty Law and sprinter Kathryn Christie stepped away from competition.

A rough estimate of their combined contribution to the track and field scene in Scotland would put the aggregate at around 40 years. That’s a lot of Call Rooms, throwing circles and start lines.

But, beneath the emotion in Aberdeen, there are some very serious messages – generally for anyone in our sport, particularly for teenage girls and women and, even more specifically, for those who stare serious injury in the face . . . and make it look away.

‘I can’t actually believe how long I have been doing this; I think I made 21 appearances at the UK Champs, for example,’ said Kirsty, after winning Scottish title No 17 in Women’s discus.

What would I say to the U18 Champs athletes competing in Aberdeen this weekend? I would say: stick with it. It will come good in the end for you.

‘I’ve had low points in my career – one or two very low and one of them this season. But you just have to pick yourself and go again. The highs in athletes – a PB, a medal, a selection – are worth it, in my opinion.

‘That is what keeps you going when you are asked to represent your country or make a podium at a national champs. That’s what keeps you going and at times you have to hold onto that.’

Kirsty’s farewell featured a crowd scene with family and friends in support. Her first ever coach, Cameron Roger and his wife, Maggie, were there from Inverness. We will return to the coach theme further in this piece.

Photos by Bobby Gavin

Kathryn for her part was effectively at her home track and proudly wore Banchory and Stonehaven colours on her way to silver in the Women’s 200m.

The Scotland international faced potentially career-ending injuries in her 20s and lost years to the sport. But her message to others echoed those of Kirsty.

‘My career in athletics has been a journey shall we say and I could write a book about it,’ she smiled.

‘Driving me was a goal to try and get as close as I could to the times I set as a youngster coming through and I am so pleased with having managed to do that.

‘It can be hard to see a way forward when you rehab from bad injuries. I was at University when I was rehabbing. I was early 20s and nothing prepares you for that. It tests you.

If I have not achieved everything I want in athletics then I have learned about myself and about life.

‘I don’t know yet about coaching in future but I think I have a lot to give (younger athletes) in terms of my experiences and that point when transitioning into Seniors.

‘So coaching might well be something I look to do to keep my involvement in the sport.’

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Sofia Vidak is joined by her coach, Norrie Hay, on Women’s 800m podium (photo by Bobby Gavin)

One of the highly appropriate gestures at the Senior Champs is presenting a gold medal to the coach of the winning athlete.

We had a number beat a path to the podium at Aberdeen and hopefully the recognition is appreciated.

And it was great therefore to hear a couple of athletes in our interviews speak very highly of their coach as helping keep them in the sport and progress through levels.

Women’s 800m champion Sofia Vidak thanked Norrie Hay with that link having started at Glasgow School of Sport.

‘It was great to have my coach Norrie on the podium because I am really proud of him,’ said Sofia. ‘It if it was not for him I would not be here competing today. We’re both very happy.’

On similar lines, Men’s 1500m winner James Alexander highlighted the role of Alex Chalmers as the Garscube Harriers athlete continues to impress.

‘The progression has been down to consistency I think and my coach Alex has been brilliant at guiding me,’ said James, winning that Senior gold as an U20 athlete.

‘I’ve not even moved to Uni yet so I am excited about the next stage.’

Amy Kennedy is joined by Alison Grey after Women’s Shot gold while Holly Whittaker is supported by Frank Gauld after Women’s 100m success (photos by Bobby Gavin)

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This photo arguably represents the present AND the future of Scottish sprinting.

Krishawn Aiken stretches for the line in the Men’s 200m final to claim gold and add further gloss to his 100m title win at Aberdeen.

Krishawn clocked 21.31 (-1.1) to win the 200m by just four hundredths of a second from Pitreavie AAC’s Harris Mackie (at 21.35). Harris is the son of well-known sprinter Ian.

‘I think Scottish sprinting is still getting better because my 10.34 (+2.6) in the 100m is one of the fastest in recent years and I feel boys behind me are still improving,’ said Scotland international Krishawn.

‘They were pushing me on. Harris Mackie was close in the 200m and I would say Harris and Dean Patterson are the future of Scottish sprinting.

‘But the double has eluded me a few times – Dean beat me over 200m – so I’m really happy to have the two golds again this year.’

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Tags: Features, Kathryn Christie, Kirsty Law, Krishawn Aiken, Sofia Vidak