Today I would like to formally announce my retirement from track athletics at the end of August. It has been a fantastic 18 years competing for the club in leagues and championships. I have a box full of memories and medals that I will always look upon, I will continue to run at highland games to keep fit so will still be trying to train sometimes.
As I move from track to coaching i think I am taking a lot of knowledge that I have picked up over the years from my own coach and many international coaches. I want to put this back into the sport that has made me very happy and given me the chance to see parts of the world.
My top 5 highlights in my career are
1, 3rd place at UK Champs & World Trials 2007
2, First Scottish Championship win over 200m 2004 (20 more followed)
3, Being Selected as Captain for Scotland at the Loughbourgh international and Celtic Indoor Cup.
4, Winning the European Club Cup (Woodford Green)
5, Being Named Dunfermline & West Fife sports personality of the year 2006
I have many people to thank for what I have achieved my coaches John Macdonald, Roy Buchan & Paul Allen, as well as everyone at the club that supported me in the past.
My parents supported me with my sport and that is the biggest thank you to them for being supportive
but for any younger athletes reading this, work hard, listen, learn and perform. Athletics is about competition in my eyes.
Faster, Stronger, Longer
Francis
