Graeme Oudney was heartbroken when he failed to make this year’s Olympic team. But it didn’t take the 800m runner too long to pick himself up and get back into the strict training routine that he hopes will lead to a place in the Scottish team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, followed by membership of Team GB, London 2012.

“I missed Beijing by just fractions and I was really upset,” reflected the Dundee 23-year-old. “But, after the trials, I sat down with my coach (Liz McColgan) and she asked me if I wanted to go on for another four years.”

Graeme’s answer was a definite “Yes.”

McColgan, the former Commonwealth and world 10,000m champion, has played a huge part in Graeme’s development, and he is now one of around 40 athletes under her care at Dundee Hawkhill Harriers.

“There’s a lot of talent in the squad and there is going to be some great Scottish athletes coming through in the not too distant future,” Graeme continued. “It’s word of mouth that is attracting so many new members and it is great for all of us.”

Graeme is a rather unusual top-class athlete as he manages to combine his sport with a high-flying career. Having graduated from Dundee University last year, he is now working full-time with one of the city’s leading Chartered Accountancy firms, Henderson Loggie.

“I’m going through my training period and should be a fully qualified accountant next summer,” explained the former Menzieshill High School pupil. “Everyone at Henderson Loggie has been really helpful.

“Working full-time would not suit everyone, but the firm is so supportive and sympathetic to my athletic needs. For instance, they allowed me ten days leave last year to attend a Scottish Commonwealth Games training camp and I‘m also allowed to get away early if I have extra training sessions.”

But while his employers might permit him some flexibility in his timetable, he certainly isn’t granted any slack periods on the running track. “Yes, Liz is a hard task master,” he acknowledged with a smile-cum-grimace. “But it is good for all of us. At the moment, I’m training 15 sessions a week. It’s hard.”

Introduced to the sport by a neighbour when he was just eight years old, Graeme joined the Harriers three years ago. The sport has helped him enjoy a successful lifestyle – even his girlfriend of three years is a fellow-athlete, Laura Brown. She is also an 800m expert. 

But now he is focused and determined to become an even more high profile runner over the next few years, and the 2010 Commonwealth games and the 2012 Olympics are highest on the agenda. “I definitely want it, and I think I can make it,” he confirmed. “I just need to stay clear of illness and injury.”

Currently preparing for the indoor season – an international takes place at the Kelvin Hall in January – his fist big target is the Aviva European Championships and UK trials in Sheffield in March. 

“It’s going to be a tough winter of training, but I’m looking forward and really motivated for the years ahead,” he said.   

EB
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