Eilish McColgan launches new athletics project

Giving Back to Track has been founded by McColgan and her partner, fellow Olympian Michael Rimmer, as a non-profit scheme aimed to inspire children from all backgrounds to enjoy athletics.

Launched at the beginning of the month, Giving Back to Track will initially focus on her own club, Dundee Hawkhill Harriers, while also offering scholarships for five young Scottish female athletes.

"Our aim is to encourage kids in Scotland to lead an active lifestyle and to essentially give back to the sport that has given us so many incredible opportunities throughout our careers,’ said McColgan.

"No child should be priced out of athletics, so our hope is that Giving Back to Track can be an avenue to provide support to individuals who need it the most – whether that be covering the cost of track facilities, buying training kit or paying for club fees.

"Giving Back to Track will start locally with my home club of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers but we hope to extend this across the rest of Scotland as we continue to grow and evolve.”

Giving Back to Track will support the Harriers by opening up a free day of athletics.

The scholarship scheme has been created to support female athletes across Scotland, aged 16-22 and will be open to all abilities.

It’s a one-year programme and individuals are encouraged to apply via givingbacktotrack.org