Eilis McColgan has emulated her mum at the Commonwealth and European Championships and would like to take it further at the Paris Olympics. Photo: REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay
Things you wouldn't expect from an interview with Eilish McColgan: Discuss the merits of the Helicopter Burger – bacon, chips, Lorne sausage, beef patty and fried egg packaged in a giant floury bun – sold at a convenience store. Clark's bakery, which was once voted the best place to get boozy food in Scotland. 2. Hearing the words “Corfu” and “Istanbul” in the context of fast food restaurants rather than warm-weather training grounds.
The best British distance runner since Paula Radcliffe, however, is simply reliving it. her student days in Dundee, when alcohol, nightclubs and fast food were as much a part of routine as ice baths are now.
“I had a normal university experience: going to student nights and new weeks… drinking, eating kebabs and partying all the time,” she says. “I was not a professional athlete, running was a hobby for me. I didn’t have any real ambitions to go to the Olympics. I didn't think I was good enough. I didn't feel like I could jeopardize anything. We used to go to this place called Corfu Kebabs. There was another one called “Istanbul Grill”. We will have everything.
However, you can go too far. Helicopter from Clark's Bakery. Burger, Lorne sausage (Square), bacon, fried egg and chips. pic.twitter.com/IpvoDV2gQI
— Dave Bucket (@DaveBucket1) March 29, 2021
There was one caveat, however. No matter how late McColgan stayed, she never missed the thrice-weekly training her mother, Liz, the 1991 world 10,000m champion, did at Dundee Hawkhill Harriers Athletics Club.
It's been a routine they've established since Liz took over the training group when Eilish was 13, and it's great to hear how this Scottish athletics legend has approached her coaching role.
“My mom let me decide if I wanted to do this,” McColgan, 33, says. “The classes were hard, strict, but at the same time we had a lot of fun. The only thing she did very well was hold us back. I remember coming back from races and being upset because I came in, say, sixth, and I was only allowed to train one or two days a week. My mom said, “It’s hard, you won’t train like an adult until your body is ready.” Many coaches and athletes make mistakes.”
McColgan competed in the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games shortly before leaving home to pursue a degree in mathematics and accounting. She was 17 years old, an age that could easily be considered decisive for an aspiring athlete. How did her mother react when she decided to embrace full-time student life?
“She saw me quitting sports, just not leading a healthy lifestyle, but she never told me: “Stop doing that.” She simply said, “It's your decision if you come back to the sport.” Then great and I'll be there, but if you choose a different path, don't worry.'”
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