Search

RUN247 / Running News / Eilish McColgan body-shaming trolls blasted by mum Liz after ‘ridiculous online abuse

Eilish McColgan body-shaming trolls blasted by mum Liz after ‘ridiculous online abuse

Stuart Dick
Reporter
Published on

British Olympic long-distance running great Liz McColgan has hit back at online trolls after they body-shamed her daughter Eilish.

34-year-old Eilish, who is currently preparing for the London Marathon in April, posted a video on her social media channels on Saturday, which led to some users to comment questioning whether the four-time Olympian had an eating disorder.

The Scottish star, Commonwealth 10,000m champion in 2022, was quick to respond to the comments as she said: “Some people have no comprehension of how much you have to fuel your body to do this type of training. Bunch of clowns.”

Eilish McColgan
British long-distance star Eilish McColgan.
Advertisement

Stop the jealousy – Liz McColgan

Eilish’s mother, Liz, who is also her coach, a former 10,000m World Champion and Olympic silver medallist in Seoul in 1988, went public too as she met the trolls head on with a strongly-worded post on Linkedin.

“There are some very naturally tall slim women in the world, as well as shorter plumper women. We come in all shapes and sizes,” she said.

‘Ridiculous abusive comments’

“They obviously do not understand that being an elite runner brings lower body fat, but being an idiot and not fully understanding that your body needs to be fueled properly by eating – or your body will not perform especially for marathons.

“Stop the jealousy and abuse of women athletes online by posting ridiculous abusive comments.

“My concern as a parent is not for Eilish as she is of a strong enough character to deal with these people. My concern is for other kids, athletes that are not so strong of character to deal with demeaning and abusive comments on their appearance.”

Stuart Dick
Written by
Stuart Dick
Stuart is a graduate of the University of Sunderland with a masters' degree in Sports Journalism. He spends a lot of his time running and cycling around West Yorkshire, England.

Latest Running News

Chicago Marathon results 2025: Kiplimo follows up London form with thrilling Chicago win as Feysa dominates
Kilian Jornet States of Elevation 2025
Kilian Jornet conquers the near impossible again with ‘States of Elevation’
Korir John wins Boston Marathon 2025 Photo credit: Boston Athletic Association / Boston Marathon
Chicago Marathon 2025: Start time, how to watch live and why world records could be at risk
Kilian Jornet States of Elevation Colorado section 2025
Kilian Jornet’s resting heart rate SOARS due to impact of ‘States of Elevation’
Jim Walmsley wins World Mountain and Trail Running Championships 2025
World Mountain & Trail Running Championships 2025: Superstars Schide and Walmsley make it a USA double in Long Race
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

247 Endurance

The home of endurance sports

Share to...