Eilidh Doyle: Laura Muir, career reflections, a continuing love for athletics and Perth mural honour

Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete parks herself in front of the television and prepares for another emotional rollercoaster.

Eilidh Doyle, from Kinross-shire, may have retired from professional sport more than two years ago but her love and passion for athletics shows no sign of fading.

No longer running round the track herself, now she lives and breathes the excitement of watching others on their quest for podium success.

Of course, there is particular interest in the impressive career of Laura Muir, the middle-distance star who also attended Kinross High School, lived along the road in Milnathort and who has become a cherished friend.

Being the spectator – whether taking in Diamond League, Commonwealth Games or, indeed, Olympic Games – has come with its challenges for Doyle.

“It is horrible, so nerve-wracking,” Doyle (36) laughs, although she is serious.

“When you are competing, you are much more relaxed. You have your own job to do.

“Watching from home as a fan is really hard. You have nowhere to get rid of your nerves and you just have to hope.

“Laura had me in tears after winning silver in Tokyo. I was screaming and cheering and then in floods of tears. I had every emotion going through me.

“I need to be careful not to wake the little ones up when I’m watching her!”

Doyle is six years older than Muir and, therefore, their paths did not cross in the corridors of Kinross High School. But she quickly heard plenty about her early talent.

“I had left school before Laura arrived,” Doyle recalls.

“But I was very aware of who she was – mainly because my mum and dad would be reading articles about Laura and her brother Rory.

“I remember watching her compete in a junior event and she just looked really gutsy.”