Eilish McColgan: Having a partner who is also an athlete has made life easier and less lonely

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I didn’t come into the sport to be an Olympic athlete,” says the Dundee-born 32-year-old, who was recently named BT Sport Action Woman of the Year 2022 after winning gold in the 10,000m at this summer’s Commonwealth Games. “I was always aware that they were runners, but I just thought everyone’s parents were like that,” McColgan quips. “It is a lot of time away from family and friends, there are a lot of hard parts to being a professional athlete,” McColgan admits, noting the impact on relationships is one thing – especially when it comes to going away to compete. “As an adult, I realised I don’t need to drink if I don’t like it.” In recent years, there’s been growing focus on sexism in professional sports and athletics too – from high-profile names such as Simone Biles speaking out about experiencing abuse in the industry, to the racism and sexism the Williams sisters have faced during their careers.