SCOTTISH runner Eilish McColgan set a new national record for the 5000m in Oslo yesterday.
McColgan, from Dundee, smashed the British women’s 5000m record – topping Paula Radcliffe’s 2004 best time by more than 17 seconds.
McColgan’s time of 14 minutes 28.55 seconds was also 18 seconds faster than her previous personal best, which has been a Scottish record since October 2019.
The athlete, who will be doubling up in the 5000 and 10,000 metres at the Tokyo Olympics, is now fifth on the European all-time list.
At the Diamond League meeting in Oslo yesterday McColgan came fourth, with Kenya’s Hellen Obiri winning in 14:26:38, Ethiopa’s Fantu Worku and Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi placing second and third with 14:26:80 and 14: 28:24 respectively.
McColgan’s mum and coach Liz took to Twitter to declare she was a “proud mama, proud coach” as her daughter became the fastest ever female 5k runner in Britain.
A dozen Scottish athletes, including McColgan, have been confirmed as part of the squad for Tokyo, slightly down on the Rio 2016 number but otherwise the highest since Munich 1972.
The Scots form a significant chunk of the 65-strong Team GB and NI squad and include eight women.
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