Support act: Eilish on hand to help Megan after tough night

Friday 9th August 2024

Paris 2024 Results

Eilish McColgan acted for the whole athletics community across Scotland – as she wrapped Megan Keith in her arms after a tough night in Paris.

The Scottish duo represented Team GB in the Women’s 10,000m final at the Olympics.

It was a truly special moment for Eilish as she became the first Scot in track and field ever to compete in four Olympics – a dozen years after her debut at London 2012.

A tough build-up with barely any racing in the past year saw her dig deep to finish 15^th in 31:20.51 and third European in the field of 25 athletes.

Megan for her part had worked through an ankle injury in her preparation and a difficult night concluded with a solo run last lap after others finished as she came home in 33:19.92 for 23^rd place.

The tears flowed as she crosse the line but Eilish waited for her team-mate and the more experienced woman made her admiration for Megan very clear indeed.

A last lap burn-up saw victory for Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet with Italian Nadia Battocletti taking a fine silver medal. Sifan Hassan came home in the bronze position.

The qaulity and depth across the field was clear among 25 on the start-list.

Megan came into the race with a world ranking of 18 with Eilish, with that injury-hit preparation over the last year or so, at 28.

‘It was tough, I found it very tough,’ said Eilish.

‘I was obviously lacking in races, and it’s just different on the track. But I’m proud of myself. I made the start line and I finished it. It was a hard slog for me today.

‘Mentally it was tough. With other championships, you can skip it and get your body in the best shape possible. The last five and a half weeks have been brilliant. I couldn’t have asked anything more.

‘I did everything I could, training wise, to get myself in the best possible shape.

‘I don’t feel like that was reflected tonight which is a disappointment, but you can’t turn down the Olympic Games. I’m disappointed that I wasn’t as close I would’ve like to with the lead pack. Disappointed but still very proud of myself.’

Megan had nursed an ankle injury a few weeks ago.

‘That was the hardest 25 laps ever,’ she said.

‘I was very happy to finish tonight. In fact, I was happy to make the start line and even happier to make the finish line.

‘Even though I came home last, I’m proud to be here as an Olympian.’

Inverness Harriers held a watch party back at the club. And the reception in the Highlands (see above) firmly suggests the pride wasn’t restricted to Eilish and Megan.