‘We’re very proud of her’ says council chief after Muir misses out on medal

Milnathort in Perth and Kinross was “very proud” of local girl Laura Muir after she narrowly missed out on a second Olympic medal in the 1500m final on Saturday, according to a council chief.

Speaking shortly after the race, which saw the 31-year-old finish fifth despite setting a new personal best time, Milnathort and Orwell Community Council chairman Neill Bingham said most people in the town had been “glued to the television” during the race and, like him, “shouting at the screen” to urge her on.

He said that while he was “disappointed for Laura” after the work she had put in, the town was proud of what she had achieved.

He added that Muir, who was born in Inverness but moved to the town when she was three, was a “great inspiration”, and thanked her for the work she does to support the local primary school where she used to be a pupil.

Mr Bingham said: “Initial reaction is disappointed for Laura, for all the efforts that she has obviously put in over the training, over the last couple of years to get where she is.

“But very proud that she has, proud on behalf of the people of Milnathort that Laura has attained such a high standard.

“She’s held in great esteem in the area. She’s a great inspiration to up and coming youngsters and very supportive of our community, and we’re very proud of her.”

Former GB sprinter James Ellington praised Muir’s attitude after the result, in a post on X that read “Laura Muir is a G, always humble and gracious in victory or defeat”

Mr Bingham went on to explain how excitement levels in Milnathort grew in the hour or so leading up to the race.

“Prior to the race, between about 6.30 and 7.15, everyone was saying, ‘Do you know that it’s on 7.15’,” he said.

“I’m sure the majority of the households in Milnathort were glued to the television and were the same as I, shouting at the screen and trying to urge her on as much as we could from our hometown.”

Mr Bingham also took a moment to thank Muir for everything she had done, and for “putting Milnathort on the map.”

“Thank you on behalf of Milnathort for putting Milnathort on the map, for your efforts, and reaching the standard that you have,” he said.

“You’re an inspiration to the youngsters coming through. You kindly support the primary school where you were a pupil a number of years ago, and you are a great inspiration to all. Thank you very much for all your efforts, and I wish you well.

“You’ll be disappointed at the moment, but all the best with your future efforts.”

The race, which was run at a blistering pace, saw fellow Brit Georgia Bell finish third with a new GB record time, behind winner Faith Kipyegon of Ethiopia and second-placed Jessica Hull of Australia.