Eilidh Doyle Did You Know
British 400m hurdler Eilidh Doyle reveals her love for Rottweilers and tennis.
1. I went to the same high school as Laura Muir
“Yes, it is true I went to Kinross High School, just like Laura Muir – although I left long before she started [there are six years between them]. The school has always been very supportive of sporting success. It puts a big value on rugby and hockey and I remember the school won every age category at a county track and field championships.
“I first became aware of Laura through my mum, who kept telling me about this young middle distance runner called Laura Muir who had studied at Kinross High School. I remember one of the first major internationals she competed at, the 2013 European Indoor Championships in Gothenburg. As a newbie on the team she didn’t know many people, so I put down to room share with her and we got on so well. In fact, we have become regular roomies at major championships since then.
“We grew up a ten-minute walk away from each other and it is nice to have that connection of back home. I think we are also quite similar in personality in that we are quite shy but also professional people when it comes to sharing a room. We are very considerate of each other when it comes to making sure we get an early night.”
2. I love Rottweilers (well, at least my one!)
“My husband and I talked about getting a dog for a while. When he first mentioned a Rottweiler, I was taken aback because of their reputation. We researched for around a year before going down to visit the breeders of seven or eight puppies and as soon as I saw them I loved them.
“We got Ben as a puppy back in late 2010 and we’ve had him ever since. I think Ben has changed many people’s preconceptions of Rottweilers. He weighs 45kg but is such a chilled out dog.
“He has a lovely personality and temperament and is such an easy dog to have.”
3. I love Andy Murray
“I’m a big admirer of my fellow Scot, Andy Murray. I just think his achievements are so impressive. He’s played in an era of so many brilliant tennis players but I feel he deserves more credit for how good he actually is.
“To became the first Brit to win a men’s singles title at Wimbledon since the 1930s with all that pressure and expectation, and then to do it a second time this year, is amazing. I have a lot of respect for him.
“I’ve met his brother, Jamie [also a tennis player], and his mum, Judy, but never Andy. If I did meet him, I’d like to ask him about what goes through his mind at Wimbledon. He appears to have a strong mind now and I’d ask him what he’s done to change the mental side of his game.
“I’ve also got a lot of admiration for his mum, Judy. She has done a lot for women in sport and tennis in Scotland. She’s a very influential woman.
“I might admire Andy, but I myself was no tennis player. I was rubbish. I was never formally coached in the sport, but I struggled. I am always amazed at the endurance that top tennis players show to compete on court for hours while I am on the track for just 54 or 55 seconds.”
