Magnificent Megan! Brilliant Scot clinches Olympic place with 10,000m win

Saturday 18th May 2024

Megan in the final stages of a sensational Highgate win – to book her place for Paris (photo by James Rhodes)

Megan Keith will represent GB and NI at the Olympics in Paris this summer.

The Scottish athlete claimed the British title over 10,000m at Highgate on Saturday night – and won the over Night of the 10ks Women’s race in fine style after a titanic battle with American marathon champion Fiona O’Keeffe.

O’Keefe pulled away during the last lap of 25 in London but somehow Megan drew on reserves of determination to deliver a finish which saw her first close the gap and then edge ahead in the last few stride to the line to win in 31:03.02.

A top two finish in terms of the British athletes was required and now the Inverness Harriers athlete, coached by Ross Cairns, wins automatic selection to the Olympic team.

The Night of the 10ks in London is always an eagerly-awaited event and Scots in recent years have performed with distinction.

And rarely more so than on this occasion as Megan thrilled those in attendance and a wider viewing audience.

With a run of 30:36.84 in California a few weeks ago, she already had the GB and NI qualifying standard for the Olympics (set at 30:40).

Now a first Olympics beckons and she becomes the first Olympian from Inverness in athletics.

Scott Stirling clocked 28:51.71 in his race (a huge improvement on his 10,000m on the track PB from a few years ago).

Sarah Potter clocked 33:43.12 to move into the top 30 all-time on the Women’s list.

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Tags: Highgate, Megan Keith, Scott Stirling