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

Friday ninth August 2024

Paris 2024 Outcomes

Eilish McColgan acted for the entire athletics neighborhood throughout Scotland – as she wrapped Megan Keith in her arms after a tricky evening in Paris.

The Scottish duo represented Crew GB within the Girls’s 10,000m closing on the Olympics.

It was a very particular second for Eilish as she grew to become the primary Scot in monitor and area ever to compete in 4 Olympics – a dozen years after her debut at London 2012.

A troublesome build-up with barely any racing previously 12 months noticed her dig deep to complete 15^th in 31:20.51 and third European within the area of 25 athletes.

Megan for her half had labored by means of an ankle damage in her preparation and a tough evening concluded with a solo run final lap after others completed as she got here dwelling in 33:19.92 for 23^rd place.

The tears flowed as she crosse the road however Eilish waited for her team-mate and the extra skilled lady made her admiration for Megan very clear certainly.

A final lap burn-up noticed victory for  Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet with Italian Nadia Battocletti taking a superb silver medal. Sifan Hassan got here dwelling within the bronze place.

The qaulity and depth throughout the sector was clear amongst 25 on the start-list.

Megan got here into the race with a world rating of 18 with Eilish, with that injury-hit preparation during the last 12 months or so, at 28.

‘It was powerful, I discovered it very tougH,’ mentioned Eilish.

‘I used to be clearly missing in  races, and it’s simply totally different on the monitor. However I’m pleased with myself. I made the beginning line and I completed it. It was a tough slog for me right now.

‘Mentally it was powerful. With different championships, you possibly can skip it and get your physique in the most effective form doable. The final 5 and a half weeks have been good. I couldn’t have requested something extra.

‘I did all the things I may, coaching sensible, to get myself in the very best form.

‘I don’t really feel like that was mirrored tonight which is a disappointment, however you possibly can’t flip down the Olympic Video games. I’m disillusioned that I wasn’t as shut I might’ve prefer to with the lead pack. Disenchanted however nonetheless very pleased with myself.’

Megan had nursed an ankle damage a couple of weeks in the past.

‘That was the toughest 25 laps ever,’ she mentioned.

‘I used to be very completely happy to complete tonight. In truth, I used to be completely happy to make the beginning line and even happier to make the end line.

‘Despite the fact that I got here dwelling final, I’m proud to be right here as an Olympian.’

Inverness Harriers held a watch get together again on the membership. And the reception within the Highlands (see above) firmly suggests the delight wasn’t restricted to Eilish and Megan.

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Tags:
Eilish McColgan, Megan Keith, Olympics, Paris 2024