Eilish McColgan, the Scottish long-distance runner, is speaking out against body-shaming comments she has received on social media, stating she is "numb" to the negativity surrounding her body shape. This comes in the wake of comments suggesting she has anorexia after she posted a video of herself training on a treadmill in preparation for her first-ever London Marathon.
The 34-year-old McColgan, a Commonwealth champion at 10,000m, believes linking athletes' body shapes to eating disorders can have dangerous implications for aspiring runners. "I’m numb to it now, it doesn’t affect me," McColgan revealed during a recent interview. "The reason I call it out is so people don’t think that is how they have to look to be an athlete. It is dangerous for people to see comments like that and think that is how you have to be."
Following her injury-related withdrawal from the 2023 London Marathon, McColgan has stepped up her training in preparation for the 2025 event. She has faced a barrage of criticism regarding her physique, with some claiming she appears too thin. "I am healthy, my body is healthy. Just because I have a small body frame doesn’t mean I have an eating disorder," she said, emphasizing the importance of body positivity and health in athletics.
McColgan also recounted a particularly troubling experience where a woman sent her an unsolicited comparison photo of fellow athletes, inferring that McColgan should aspire to look like them. One of the athletes, Mary Cain, has publicly discussed her struggles with eating disorders and the severe consequences of under-fuelling. McColgan acknowledged the dangers of such comparisons, stating, "You can’t assess someone’s health by just looking at them," highlighting the need for broader awareness around individual health and athlete wellbeing.
Despite the hostile comments she frequently encounters, McColgan remains determined to focus on her goals. "It’s just the way my career has pathed out. It has taken me a bit longer than normal, but I have absolutely loved my track career," she added. Now, she is eager to tackle the marathon distance, which she describes as a daunting new challenge.
Looking ahead, McColgan has set ambitious goals for her marathon debut, hoping to finish faster than her mother, Liz McColgan, whose personal best stands at 2 hours and 26 minutes. Liz, an Olympic runner and former world champion, has been a supportive figure throughout her daughter's athletic journey. Earlier this month, she condemned the derogatory comments aimed at Eilish, calling them "demeaning and abusive," showing the profound personal impact of online harassment.
McColgan described her relationship with food as healthy and normal, stating she doesn't subscribe to any extreme diets. To illustrate, she shared, "I eat what I want. I got a box of doughnuts the other day because I wanted a box of doughnuts." This candid acknowledgment challenges the stereotype that elite athletes must adhere to strict, unsustainable diets.
As she shares her journey, McColgan hopes to set an example for her younger followers, encouraging them to embrace their natural body shapes. "It’s a scary concept for young people, not even young people, even adults get drawn into that too," she noted. She emphasized the importance of standing up against body shaming and insisted that different body types exist among professional athletes. "I don’t want them to get this warped idea that they believe that I am starving myself. ">In an environment where bodies are scrutinized under a microscope, McColgan asserts the importance of advocating for one’s self. "I’ve had a couple of young guys message me and say they are being targeted for being a beanpole – and I just say stand up for yourself. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to be yourself," she shared.
As her marathon debut approaches, McColgan remains realistic yet hopeful. "It’s a completely new challenge for me. I’ve never run that far in training or a race before, and the longest race I’ve ever done is a half-marathon. So this is a very, very different game." She describes participating in the London Marathon as a significant event, essential for her growth as an athlete.
In the world of competitive sports, McColgan has established herself as a dedicated athlete, proving her longevity and resilience over her decade-long career. "Ultimately you’ll learn very quickly; if you’re not fuelling for a marathon – you’ll know about it," she said, illustrating the necessity of proper nutrition in sustaining performance.
Amid the continued scrutiny and criticism, Eilish McColgan continues to rise above, using her platform to advocate for athletes’ health and body positivity. Her journey as she prepares for the London Marathon is a testament to her strength and determination, proving that one’s worth cannot be measured solely by appearances.
