Eilish eyes Glasgow 2026 homecoming
By Eilidh Miller
No fewer than 26 young Scottish female athletes have been selected to receive support through the Giving Back to Track initiative, founded by four-time Olympian Eilish McColgan.
The initiative is specifically designed to support female athletes aged 16–22, offering a meaningful boost to those competing in the various disciplines across our sport.
Applications for the one-year programme were open to young women of all abilities and there was a strong response.
The Giving Back to Track project, founded by Eilish and her partner, fellow Olympian Michael Rimmer, is a non-profit scheme aimed at inspiring kids from all backgrounds to enjoy athletics and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Established in early 2022, the fund has now delivered four years of support to young Scottish female athletes, reflecting a growing commitment to nurturing talent and widening access to the sport at a crucial stage of development.
This year’s selections include a combination of travel grants, main grants, and additional support awards for emerging athletes across a wide range of disciplines.
Main Grant Recipients
The following athletes have been selected for the main grants of the programme :
- Dionne Maguiness (Heptathlon – U18)
- Sofia Vidak (800m – U23)
- Silver Nwabuzor (Triple Jump – U23)
- Freya Brown (800m & 1500m – U18)
- Sophie Robertson (Hammer – U18)
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Pole vaulter Charis Crawford (photo by Bobby Gavin)
Travel Grant Recipients
The following athletes have been awarded travel grants through the Giving Back to Track programme:
- Emily Fawkes (400m – U20)
- Esme Deacon (200m – U20)
- Annie McLean (400m – U20)
- Lauren Abbott (400m – U20)
- Holly Whittaker (Hurdles – U20)
- Emily McArthur (800m – U20)
- Rachel Caves (3000m – U18)
- Layla Todd (3000m – U20)
- Lucy Kernahan (Discus – U20)
- Nieve Hannel (800m – U18)
- Charis Crawford (Pole Vault – U20)
- Eilidh Dallas (1500m – U18)
- Leanna Elliot (Heptathlon – U18)
- Lucy Fraser (100m – U23)
- Kishi Aremu (100m – U20)
- Cara Monachello (Hurdles – U18)
- Abbie Stewart (1500m – U20)
- Anise N. Macaulay Orr (800m – U23)
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Rebecca Grieve (photo via University of New Mexico)
Dundee Hawkhill Harriers
Additional support has been awarded to two Dundee Hawks athletes:
- Favour Ugwuocha
- Breagha Hastie
Commonwealth Games Support
As a special addition to this year’s selections, Rebecca Grieve has been awarded Commonwealth Games support through an additional travel grant.
Rebecca recently shared her efforts to raise funding for travel to competitions through a GoFundMe campaign as she pursues the qualifying standard for Glasgow 2026.
In recognition of her commitment and ambition, the Giving Back to Track programme will provide support towards her travel costs during the season.
Congratulations to all athletes selected for support through the programme and best wishes for the season ahead!
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Tags:
Eilish McColgan, Giving Back to Track