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The Scottish long-distance runner has announced that she will shift from track to road racing after competing in her fourth Olympic Games.
Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan has announced her departure from track events, opting for road racing after a challenging finish at the Paris Olympics.
The 33-year-old Scottish athlete, who made history by participating in her fourth Olympics—a first for any Scottish track and field athlete—finished 15th in the 10,000m finals, a result she found "disappointing."
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Despite the setback, McColgan's achievement in Paris was a testament to her resilience.
Having undergone knee surgery earlier this year, her participation was uncertain until the last moments.
"It's bittersweet.I'm disappointed with my performance, but there wasn't really anything I could do. That was literally all I had," McColgan told BBC Sport Scotland.
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Her time of 31 minutes 20.51 seconds was significantly off her personal best, underscoring the impact of her limited training period.
"I'm proud, being the first athlete from Scotland to ever go to four Games, because that's really difficult to do over a 12-year span, but it's frustrating," she expressed.
McColgan had hoped to conclude her track career on a high note but acknowledged the challenges posed by her recent health issues.
"I’d have liked to have finished my track career on a really positive moment, but you can't expect miracles when you've only had five weeks training behind you," she stated.
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Looking ahead, McColgan has set her sights on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, though she confirmed it would not be on the track.
"LA is off the agenda in terms of track. It would realistically be a marathon," she clarified.
This shift marks a significant transition in her athletic career, as she previously made an unsuccessful attempt to switch to road racing after securing medals at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships in 2022.
Her focus is now on major road races, including the Big Half in London, as she adapts to the different demands of road racing.
The transition from track to road racing is not uncommon among long-distance runners seeking new challenges and opportunities to extend their careers.
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The longer distances and varied courses of road races offer a different kind of test that appeals to athletes like McColgan, who are looking for fresh motivations.
McColgan's move could inspire other athletes considering similar transitions, especially as they approach the latter stages of their careers in track and field.
Her journey underscores the resilience and adaptability required to compete at the highest levels across different disciplines.
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