Commonwealth Games medal memories with Eilidh Doyle
As we look ahead to Birmingham 2022 we spoke to BEd Physical Education graduate and three time Commonwealth Games Medallist, Eilidh Doyle
Profile:
Name: Eilidh Doyle (nee Child)
Degree: BEd Physical Education Grad
Sport: Athletics
Background
Eilidh Doyle (nee Child) is one of Scotland’s finest track and field athletes. She has competed for Scotland at 3 Commonwealth Games, represented Great Britain at the Olympics, was selected as Scotland’s athlete of the year in 2013, became European champion in 2014, and holds the Scottish record for both the 400 metres hurdles and the indoor 400 metres.
Her senior breakthrough came in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where she won the silver medal in the 400 metres hurdles. At the 2014 Glasgow games, she Captained Team Scotland, dealing with the pressure of being the ‘face’ of the Games in her home nation, winning another silver. Eilidh won her 3rd Commonwealth Silver medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.
While at University, Eilidh was the Cameron Blue of the Year in 2007/08. In 2014 Eilidh's amazing sporting success celebrated with induction into the University of Edinburgh Sports Hall of Fame.
We spoke to Eilidh about her memories of competing, and medalling, at three Commonwealth Games.
Q. How did you get into athletics?
I got started because of my big sister Iona, she ran a cross country for her school and won it quite convincingly. After that she was asked if she was part of a club and was invited to join our local athletics club. I went along for company and ended up really enjoying it myself.
Q. Could you tell us about any special memories of the games you’ve attended and your medal wins?
I have so many amazing memories from each of the games I attended. Firstly, in Delhi in 2010, that was where I won my first ever global medal and it was such a close supportive team that were there. Secondly in Glasgow 2014, being at home champs was just incredible and to win a medal and then do a lap of honour in front of a sold-out Hamden Park was something I will never ever forget are probably the highlight of my whole career. Then finally in the Gold Coast in 2018 I made history by being the first ever female flagbearer for Scotland and then to go on and win a medal after that meant it was just a brilliant championships.
Q. What is your fondest memory of studying at Edinburgh?
I think for me the best memories I have of being in Edinburgh and studying was all the friends I made. These are lifelong friends who I’m still just a close to today.
Q. What is your fondest memory of sport at Edinburgh?
The best thing about playing sport was the team spirit and camaraderie of the team. I remember us all driving down to the British universities' championship in Birmingham in our mini bus and the support and enthusiasm for everybody was just great.
Any advice you would share for those going to the Birmingham Games?
Embrace the experience, enjoy as much of it as you can. But don’t be intimidated and take your opportunity, grasp it with both hands because you deserve to be there you’ve got on the team because you are good enough and deserve it, so make the most of it!