In an extraordinary feat, Edinburgh AC has once again claimed the top spot on the World Championships podium in the men’s 1500m event. As a member of the EAC club, guest writer Danny Convery shares his insights on the factors behind this phenomenal achievement.
In the 2022 1500m world championships, Jake Wightman surged ahead with 200m to go and emerged victorious, surpassing Jakob Ingebrigtsen in a surprising turn of events. This unexpected win created a memorable moment in the championships.
Meanwhile, Jake’s fellow EAC club member, Josh Kerr, secured fifth place in the same race. The club eagerly welcomed Jake back to share his experience, initially believing that he would be the sole world champion from their club. However, their belief was proven wrong in due time.
A little over a year later, it was Josh Kerr’s turn to shine in the 1500m world championship final. With just 150m remaining, Josh took the lead and maintained his momentum to secure the world title in a spectacular fashion. This incredible achievement sparked widespread contemplation: How did Edinburgh produce two distinct world champions?
As it turns out, the answer lies in more than just mere coincidence.
The Key Factors
The information behind this remarkable accomplishment stems from being an Edinburgh Athletics Club member, gaining insights from conversations with Josh Kerr, Jake Wightman, Josh Kerr’s father, and their former coach Eric Fisher, as well as conducting thorough research to form an informed opinion.
Amidst the shared celebrations, there is a lighthearted sentiment within the club of sending Jakob Ingebrigtsen only the back portion of a GB vest, as that seems to be the only part he gets to see.
The Role of the Coach
What makes this story captivating is how Josh Kerr exhibited exceptional growth from a young age, showcasing immense talent that hinted at his inevitable ascent to the top. In contrast, Jake Wightman had a slower start during his youth, possessing talent but not yet achieving national champion status like Josh. However, both athletes eventually reached the pinnacle of their sport.
Notably, their former coach Eric Fisher’s coaching philosophy remained consistent for these distinctive talents: rigorous training, consistent easy runs, and prioritizing enjoyment. Eric’s training sessions always had a purpose, avoiding monotonous drills devoid of fun.
The emphasis on enjoyment and long-term development became the cornerstone of the club’s success. Winning the next race in the following month became secondary; Eric placed utmost importance on the athletes’ overall growth.
The Importance of Volunteers
Behind every successful club lies a dedicated group of volunteers who show unwavering commitment in all weather conditions.
In the case of EAC, club president Yvonne Jones has contributed for over two decades, never missing a session. Additionally, their 77-year-old former coach Eric himself attends training sessions twice a week without fail. The contributions of these volunteers often go unnoticed, but they played an integral role in the realization of Josh and Jake’s success.
The Running Culture in Scotland
The accomplishments of Scottish athletes extend far beyond the boundaries of their club. Names like Neil Gourley, Andy Butchart, Laura Muir, Eilish McColgan, Josh Kerr, and Jake Wightman exemplify Scotland’s prowess in athletics.
Edinburgh AC is not the sole producer of world-class athletes; it is Scotland as a whole. This is thanks to the presence of role models and the fierce competition within the country.
Inspirational figures like Steve Cram influenced Josh and Jake, and now they serve as inspirations for the next generation. The impact of these role models is evident in the outstanding performances of current Scottish teenagers.
One notable achievement this year was a 14-year-old runner completing a 3:53 1500m, something never seen before. And it’s not just one exceptional individual; four or five 14-year-olds broke the 4:10 barrier, signifying a significant milestone.
Running in Scotland has become a mainstream activity, comparable to football or rugby, influencing not only Josh and Jake but also the youth today. This has led to a desire for innovation in training and recovery methods.
Photo: James Rhodes
Recruitment Strategies
The club employs various methods to recruit new athletes. Running is a widely popular activity in Scotland, with schoolchildren encouraged to participate in cross country events.
Additionally, numerous parkruns, cross country leagues, and local track races provide further opportunities for nurturing the sport. Many individuals dabble in running, and those who develop a passion for it continue to pursue it, allowing talent to be identified and fostered. The abundance of leagues in track, cross country, and road running, along with the continued participation of star athletes like Muir and Wightman in these events, amplifies these opportunities.
A Collective Achievement
The success of Edinburgh AC cannot be attributed to a single factor alone.
Instead, it is the culmination of various elements working harmoniously together. Above all, the running culture in Scotland, reminiscent of the role models in Kenya, plays a vital role.
The achievements of Edinburgh AC stand as a testament to the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supportive parents who navigate the challenges and triumphs alongside their children, ultimately propelling them towards greatness.