I have known for ages that I was going to miss these Games but it will be hard watching all the athletes going out there
THE DECISION was made years ago. It had to be done. Not even Scotland’s swiftest star of the track can bend time and space to be in two places at once. For Laura Muir, putting the final stage of her education — such a vital part of her life — ahead of competing in the Commonwealth Games remains the only logical choice. But the girl with out-of-this-world talent is only human. She’s a proud Scot, too.
As she has watched others celebrate selection and make plans for Games now just a little over 80 days away, then, it’s only natural that Muir should feel the odd pang of discomfort.
When friends, colleagues and rivals alike are competing on Australia’s Gold Coast, the trainee vet will be on placement in an animal hospital.
Honestly? The 24-year-old sounds as excited when talking about the (eventual) day job as she does discussing even the World Indoor Championships just a few weeks down the line.
There will be many, even among those gathering to support Muir at Holyrood Park tomorrow, who might never understand her decision to make room in her life for anything other than athletics.
They may be appeased by the thought that, in skipping these Games, the girl from Milnathort is merely prioritising even greater glories.
‘I knew — and Andy Young, my coach — knew quite a few years ago that the Commonwealth Games weren’t going to be in the frame for this year,’ said Muir. ‘I knew I had to finish my degree at some point. And this year, with there not being a World Championships or an Olympics, it would have to be done.
‘I knew I wasn’t going to be able to run in the Commonwealth Games. I think I mentally moved on from it a while ago.
‘But I think it will be hard come April time, when you see the rest of the Scottish team out there and other athletes you have raced against out there.
‘I wish them all the best and I’m sure they will go on to do very, very well without me. There will be lots of medal opportunities for Team Scotland going out there.
‘When it comes to watching it, I will go for a middle ground. I will be working in a hospital right through April and trying to study as well.
‘So I’m not sure I will be staying up all night to watch it — but I will try to catch up as best I can during the day and see how everyone is getting on.’
Insisting that she remains as committed as ever to her first love of treating sick animals, Muir added: ‘It’s been a long time. It will be seven years (of study) come the summer. But I still love what I’m doing. It’s the final year and it’s all about doing practical stuff.
‘Like today, I was in a couple of surgeries and monitoring the anaesthesia which was good to see. You get so much variety that it’s difficult to get bored.’
That love for mucking in and getting her hands dirty probably explains why Muir has been such a regular at the annual cross-country gathering in Edinburgh.
She’ll be back again tomorrow, regardless of weather, thundering through the mud for Team GB in a 4x1k mixed relay.
With a nod to her ‘other’ career in the making, Muir said: ‘I don’t think there are too many conditions that will put me off.
‘I have been out in the dark in the early hours, in freezing conditions. So, hopefully, Edinburgh this weekend won’t be too much of a challenge.
‘One year in Holyrood, I just remember the final straight before that last bend being so windy — and having to work so hard before the final bend.
‘But, from running cross country when I was younger, I have experienced far worst — like when your feet are so numb that you can’t feel them, or you are falling down holes or puddles.’
Muir is quick to point out that the Holyrood course is mercifully short of such pitfalls, with organisers ensuring that the terrain lends itself to good racing. That’s important for many reasons. Not least because, even in an ‘off year’ like this, Muir still has goals.
The World Indoor Championships take place in Birmingham at the start of March. A major event without the hassle of travelling makes it a perfect chance for the European Indoor Gold medallist over both 1,500 and 3,000 metres.
She’s yet to decide whether it’s even possible to attempt the same double this time around. As for what to expect tomorrow, there is always an element of uncertainty.
‘It’s an opportunity to get out and have a bit of fun,’ said Muir. ‘But, at the same time, I want to get out there and perform.’
“I am sure Team Scotland will do well without me”