Laura Muir savouring another chance to compete in Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Laura Muir will savour another chance to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow free of any lingering frustration over her 2014 experience.

Muir finished 11th in the 1500 metres final at Hampden after having her heels clipped and stumbling as she eyed a decisive finish.

The then-Glasgow University vet student pulled out of the 800m days later and missed the 2018 event because it clashed with her final exams.

But with two medals for Scotland at the 2022 Games, the 33-year-old is only looking forward rather than thinking about her 2014 experience.

“I think I put everything to bed in Birmingham, winning the 1500-metre title there and getting the bronze in the 800,” she told the Press Association.

“So that was really nice to go there and not just get one medal, but two and be on top of the podium as well.

“Obviously, 2014, I was devastated, to have got clipped that last little bit. But it’s all a learning experience.

“These things happen, especially in the 1500. Trips and falls happen all the time. So, I think that actually gave me a really tough learning experience.

“But it gave me a lot to learn from at that age. And I’ve taken that and I’ve performed really well at all the different championships now and won medals at all championships.

“So, as much as that was a really hard sort of pill to swallow then, I think it did me a great deal of good.

“And fortunately, I’m now on the other side of that experience now.”
Muir will compete in the 5,000m at Scotstoun on July 30 and is relishing the prospect.

“When I was competing in Hampden in 2014, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to come back and compete in a home Commonwealth Games again,” she said.

“Birmingham was pretty close to home, but this is even better. So it’s just surreal that it’s come back to Glasgow and it’s really nice that they’ve stepped in and saved the Games once it was dropped in Australia. Hopefully the Games in the future can continue, which is great.

“It’s just really inspiring for all the youngsters to be able to see all our athletes again at home Commonwealths.

“The Commonwealth Games is a very significant championships in Britain, and you don’t get the opportunity to compete in the Scottish vest that often, normally you’re in the British vest.

“So to compete in the Scottish vest is always really, really special. And the Commonwealth Games is the biggest championship opportunity to do that. So you don’t want to miss these opportunities if you can.

“So, I’m just really chuffed that I’m back here for the third time, second time in Scotland, which is pretty unheard of.”