Runner Eilish McColgan describes ‘disgusting’ racist abuse on engagement photos

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Eilish McColgan has said she and her partner suffered “absolutely disgusting” racist abuse when they posted engagement photos online.

The 10,000 metres champion described the upsetting impact of the racist comments on her and her family.

The Scottish runner announced her engagement to fellow athlete Michael Rimmer in May.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland’s Saturday Show, she said she had become “completely numb” to receiving abuse about her appearance, saying it is an “everyday thing”.

McColgan, who is a Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games ambassador, said: “It is scary sometimes when you read comments you think: ‘My God, some of these people even have young daughters.’

“You think: ‘Imagine someone writing that about your children.'”

She continued: “It wasn’t actually until me and Michael got engaged and I posted a picture of us, engagement pictures, and the racial abuse was like disgusting, like absolutely disgusting.

“It’s the first time I got a little bit upset reading what they were saying about Michael and about us as a partnership.

“And then it made me realise actually that’s how my mum feels when she reads it about me or my dad feels when he reads it about me.”

Those making the racist comments are merely reflecting a “sadness and emptiness” in their own lives, she said.

McColgan said she wanted to provide inspiration for young women who may experience bullying over their appearance, saying: “I want them to feel more confident seeing me stand up for myself and be, like, this is me.

“Like, I’m never going to look like Kylie Jenner. I’m never going to look like that body shape. Like, this is just my natural body. And I’m proud of it.”