HARD YARDS FROM SO MANY HELPED MUIR EXCEL IN THE FAST LANE But Laura will never forget her roots
She may be our queen of the track but Laura will never forget her roots
THE support network for an elite athlete runs deep. And can usually be traced all the way back to childhood. Nobody reaches the pinnacle of their field by talent and effort alone. Few even stick out the toughest times without encouragement and guidance.
As Laura Muir prepares for a moment of destiny at the Tokyo Olympics, then, she’ll certainly take a moment to think about everyone who helped her along the way.
One of Britain’s best medal hopes at the postponed Games, the Scottish middle-distance runner knows that an army of volunteers and helpers played their part in this personal journey.
Muir’s love of running, a passion she can trace to primary school, is only trumped by the sheer delight at the thought of a new generation being motivated by her achievements.
‘I’m so lucky to be able to run for a living and even more thrilled that, by doing that and by talking about my running, I can potentially inspire others to give sport a try,’ she told Sportsmail.
‘I think that’s the role that we have to play as elite athletes, to tell our story and to continue to do what we love — so that others can see the opportunities and
At the track, it seemed like a big group of people helping one another
benefits that sport can bring at every level.
‘If reading this article or watching me race gets just one child or one family out today to play sport or try running, then that is a success.
‘I started athletics at about 11 years old through cross country at my primary school.
‘I made it on to the cross country team, where I competed in regional events. I was not winning the races but just absolutely loved running.
‘From then I went to join a local athletics club that one of my friends went to and gradually built up my training.
‘I remember how encouraging my primary teacher and headteacher were. I think they just really wanted us to enjoy sport and did not put any pressure on us, which was lovely.
‘Then, at the athletics club, I started off in the sprints group like a lot of young athletes do initially, before a middle-distance coach started working with the club quite soon after I joined.
‘I think I had always naturally gravitated towards the longer distances so started working with that coach instead and that was me set.
‘I always remember when being down at the track on club nights what seemed like a big group of people all helping one another.
‘Whether it was parents giving kids a lift, various coaches taking different training groups or some of the older athletes looking after the young ones, everyone was so supportive of one another.’
Muir is aware that months of being forced to train alone has been a tough enough challenge for adults. For those still developing, either as potential elite athletes or future fun runners, not being part of a regular training group has been incredibly damaging. That’s why the 27-year-old is adding her voice to those who are demanding that returning to sport is put front and centre of the UK’s emergence from Covid restrictions. She explained: ‘There are so many great reasons for sport, particularly sport for youngsters, to be prioritised as we make our way out of this latest lockdown.
‘The obvious physical benefits of getting outside and running around are clear for all to see — but the mental and social benefits are just as important.
‘As a child, a lot of times the thing that gets us into a sport, and the thing that keeps us there, is the friendships that you form.
‘Once it’s safe to do so, it’s important to prioritise the return of sport, and the social elements that come with it, for children across the country.’
A Diamond League winner and European champion, as well as a World Indoor medalist, Muir is at the very top of her game.
It’s great, in those big moments, to take a minute and appreciate that support and to say thank you when the spotlight is on you
After a year of disruption across all of society, there’s obviously a degree of uncertainty over how everyone is going to perform in Japan.
The one guarantee is that, should she make the podium, the girl from Milnathort will try to reflect on the collective effort required to climb those steps.
‘I am already incredibly grateful for the team I have around me and the amount of time and effort that they have given me to try to be the best athlete I can be,’ she said.
‘If I could win an Olympic medal, that would be such a special moment for me and my team.
‘From family and friends, to my coach, physio, training partners and the volunteers that make the sport tick — I’m thankful every day for the support that they give in every sense of the word.
‘Of course, in those big moments it’s great to take a minute and appreciate that support and to say thank you when the spotlight is on you.
‘But, realistically, it’s the hard days when that support is most appreciated.
‘The weeks of injury, the tough winter sessions, the local athletics meets, that’s when I am really grateful for the individuals who help me so much.’