Legend Liz McColgan firmly believes the athletics pathway in Scotland is punching way above its weight – thanks to the bond between grassroots and the elite.
The 1991 World Champion and Olympic silver medallist was Guest of Honour at the 4J Annual Awards.
Josh Kerr was named 4J Athlete of the Year from a stellar short-list and the 4J Para Athlete of the Year Award was presented jointly to Samantha Kinghorn and Ben Sandilands – who both won gold at the Paralympics in Paris.
Kerr’s Olympic silver over 1500m – in a year when he also won World Indoors gold in Glasgow – and two relay medals for Nicole Yeargin made it a best Scottish performance at the Olympics since 1988 (when McColgan won silver).
More importantly, the Class of 2024 have now delivered eight major championships in a row with at least one Scot on the podium.
‘The athletics development pathway has been working well in Scotland for some years and we’re seeing that currently with the elite athletes we have competing at global level,’ said Liz, who coaches daughter Eilish.
‘Scots are getting the opportunity to develop in an age appropriate way and stepping up the levels.
‘It’s working because now we are seeing – and have been for a few years – a far higher percentage of Scots on GB and Ni team for major events than you would expect (with our population ratio).
‘Of course it is not perfect and Scottish Athletics need support and sponsors to help them deliver programmes.
‘But the sport as a whole are making a huge contribution.
‘I was Guest of Honour at the 4J Awards and I was delighted there were two dozen awards handed out. It is not just about the Athlete of the Year or the Paralympic medallist – our sport is based on coaches, clubs, volunteers and Officials.
‘It is a team effort and it comes from our clubs. If you develop the grassroots then you find and nurture the champions of the future.
‘I see that working well in Scotland and to be honest I don’t think many countries can match the way it works here.
‘Josh winning was no surprise. He had an incredible year taking in World indors gold and silver at the Olympics.
‘That men’s 1500m was one of the best, and toughest, races in Paris and I was lucky enough to be in the stadium that night.
‘I think Josh is a brilliant ambassador for Scottish athletics and he’s such a great…
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