Muir the big motivator for Learmonth

Guy Learmonth admits watching Laura muir and Jake Wightman storm to success has helped motivate him to keep battling on the track.

the 30-year-old has endured a frustrating year but reached the final of the 800metres at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Sunday and finished sixth.

Learmonth’s race followed immediately after muir’s magnificent gold-medal triumph in the 1500m as she claimed her first Commonwealth title.

he has also been blown away by new world champion Wightman, who sealed a sensational victory in oregon last month and earned bronze in Birmingham.

Learmonth won’t compete at the upcoming european Championships in munich but aims to feed off the current golden generation of Scottish athletes.

‘When I saw Laura coming down the home straight it was amazing,’ he said. ‘She inspires all of us. Jake at the World Champs was unbelievable as well. I don’t think people truly realise how hard it is for what he’s done to back it up and get a medal here two weeks after becoming world champ. I’m surrounded by people who are picking up medals and titles. that’s what keeps me going. everyone is a winner and I want to be here with them.’

Birmingham 2022 was Learmonth’s third Commonwealth Games, having also finished sixth in the 800m at Glasgow 2014. asked if he was hungry to go again next year, he replied: ‘Definitely, 100 per cent. the last few years have been pretty rough.

‘I’m happy to be in the final but I really wanted a medal. I’m disappointed. If you saw where I was a few months ago, with my horrendous performances, I’ve come a long way from that. I’ll keep building and hopefully finish the season with some fast times.’