Home hero Eilish McColgan has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games after failing to recover from a fractured foot.
The athletics ace was hoping to defend her 10,000m title but has not raced since her toe “exploded” during the London Marathon in April. Pictures of McColgan’s bloody foot went viral but she still managed to complete the race and finish seventh.
Tests later revealed a stress fracture and McColgan has not raced since.
She had hinted she would be fine to make a comeback in Glasgow but has now admitted defeat, in a huge disappointment for Games organisers.
“It probably won't come as a huge surprise,” the Dundee runner said.
“The bad news is I've simply run out of time to get myself, and my toe, back into spikes.
“Having started the year stronger than ever, I know the fitness is there but having only taken my first run outdoors a couple of weeks ago, the clock was always against me.
“While these Games have come a few weeks too early for me, this isn't the end of my season and I can't wait to get back racing soon.
“I'll be in Glasgow all week cheering on Team Scotland and wish everyone on the team the best of luck at the Games.”
McColgan delivered one of the biggest moments of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, when she roared to a famous gold medal in Birmingham.
She emulated mum Liz, who won gold for Scotland over the same distance in 1986 and 1990.
McColgan’s absence is a major blow to the Scotland team and the athletics programme overall.
England have already lost the majority of their superstar names, with the likes of Dina Asher-Smith, Keely Hodgkinson, Katarina Johnson-Thomspon and Matt Hudson-Smith all missing.
Scotland’s new mile world record-holder Josh Kerr is the biggest name competing.
Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “Eilish is a legend of Scottish sport and her incredible 10,000m gold-medal victory in Birmingham will go down as one of the defining moments in Commonwealth Games history.
“She has worked tirelessly to give herself every opportunity to be on the start line, and we completely support her decision not to return before she's ready to compete at her very best.”
Inverness’s Megan Keith is now Scotland’s big hope in the 10,000m, which starts at 8.05pm at Scotstoun Stadium.
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