Laura Muir named captain for World Champs – but Eilish misses out

Wednesday 16th August 2023

‘No overnight successes in our Scots for Budapest’ – Mark Pollard

Scotland’s Laura Muir will captain the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest between August 19-27.

The multiple medallist won Olympic 1500m silver in Tokyo two years ago. At last year’s World Athletics Championships in Oregon, she also sealed 1500m bronze which was her first world outdoor medal in her fifth appearance at the Championships.

Earlier this year she added European Indoor title number five to her collection, and heads into the event in superb form having broken Zola Budd’s British one mile record – setting a time of 4:15.24 – at last month’s Diamond League in Monaco.

But unfortunately fellow Scot, Eilish McColgan, has had to withdraw from the World Champs. Eilish had been due to compete in the Women’s 100,000m.

Upon receiving her appointment as captain, Muir said: ;I am incredibly proud and honoured to take up the role of captain of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team.

‘It is a decade since my first World Championships which were in Moscow, so I have learned a lot from my experiences during that time.

‘In my Captain’s speech I looked to get across those experiences and learnings from the journey in the sport throughout my career, and hopefully those will be useful to the younger and new athletes on the team, but also those who are more experienced in the championship environment.

‘We are always learning in the sport, so I am looking forward to leading the team into Budapest.’

Alyson Bell feature by BBC Scotland

Team Leader Stephen Maguire added: ‘Laura has shown what a magnificent athlete she is through her performances and achievements at the major events over the years.

‘She is also a very strong individual who has shown her resilience, strong-will and determination throughout her career.

‘Laura has all the skills and qualities to excel in the role as team captain and I am proud that she will lead the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team in Budapest.’

Sadly, I've made the hard decision to miss this year's World Championships in Budapest. 😢

We always knew it was going to be tight to make it to the start line, having carried a knee injury since April. pic.twitter.com/iLjjhiVpIa

— Eilish McColgan (@EilishMccolgan) August 17, 2023