Photo credit: www.skysports.com
Eilish McColgan advocates for stricter measures to combat online abuse as she prepares for her London Marathon debut
Last Updated: 24/04/25 10:13pm
Eilish McColgan is set to make her debut at the London Marathon this Sunday.
With a commitment to challenging social media negativity, Eilish McColgan aims to inspire young athletes while addressing the prevalence of online trolling.
As she gears up for her first London Marathon, McColgan has set her sights on surpassing her mother Liz’s personal best of 2:26:52, a Scottish record achieved in 1997.
During her training, McColgan encountered a surge of online hate, particularly following an Instagram post where she was seen running on a treadmill. This prompted her mother to describe the comments as “demeaning and abusive.”
Despite the negativity, the London Marathon’s official X account has remained dormant since January, citing a decline in positivity on the platform. Nevertheless, McColgan intends to maintain her social media presence, emphasizing her goals and the positive influence she hopes to have.
“It impacts my family much more than it affects me. My parents read those comments about their daughter, and they feel compelled to defend me,” shared the 34-year-old athlete, noting she has been targeted by both a disgruntled father and a school teacher.
“I’ve grown somewhat indifferent to these insults. I’ve dealt with them for years, and they no longer hold any power over me. Some criticisms are so absurd that I can’t help but laugh at them.”
McColgan feels a responsibility to challenge these harmful narratives, particularly for her younger followers. “I want them to know that my success does not stem from deprivation; being thin does not equate to being fast. That mindset is misleading and detrimental.”
She stresses the importance of prioritizing health and well-being for long-term success in athletics. “If you neglect your body, you might achieve fleeting success, but ultimately, it won’t lead to a sustainable career.”
Additionally, McColgan highlighted the significance of sharing both triumphs and struggles, providing role models for young athletes. “I’ve received messages from kids who face bullying at school due to their appearance. Knowing I still encounter online criticism in my 30s gives them the courage to stand their ground.”
McColgan underscored her intent in calling out online abuse: “I want it to be clear that these comments don’t reflect my experience; they’re the complete opposite of my reality.”
To combat online harassment, she proposed that social media platforms implement verified accounts that link to user identification, suggesting that such measures could reduce anonymity and foster accountability.
As the 2022 Commonwealth 10,000m champion, McColgan envisions a future dedicated to the marathon, aiming to compete in that distance at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Yet, she remains focused on her immediate challenge as she prepares for her 26.2-mile debut: “I’m absolutely terrified. I have never felt this level of fear! Everything beyond 21 miles in training is unknown territory for me, and I find myself wondering what lies ahead after the 20-mile mark.”
Source
www.skysports.com