After a 2019 disrupted by a calf tear, the Scot showed world-leading form in 2020 and hopes to take that forward to Tokyo

Laura Muir admits that when the Olympic Games were postponed she initially thought “now what?” But some strong results this summer have provided a welcome boost as she again begins preparations towards Tokyo.

After claiming the Scottish athlete of the year honour outright in 2015, 2016 and 2018, this year Muir was announced joint winner of the 4J Studios performer of year title alongside Jemma Reekie and Jake Wightman.

It comes after Muir set a British 1000m record of 2:30.82 and clocked 1500m times of 3:57.40, 3:57.86 and 3:58.24 to lead the world rankings.

“It was a really big confidence booster ahead of next year,” says the five-time European gold medallist.

“My last year, in 2019, was so disrupted with injury. I missed a lot of racing that summer and there wasn’t really the consistency you want in training or racing.

“So to come out this season and run three 1500m runs and all be sub-four minutes and all really strong and winners, it was like, ‘okay, this is good’.

“It has helped my confidence a lot. I lost quite a bit of confidence last year with injury and even though I performed well in Doha and clawed it back a bit, it was hard. So it has done me a lot of good being able to race this year, and race well.”

Reflecting back on March, when news of the Olympic Games postponement was announced, Muir adds: “It was hard because I had put the whole of 2020 on hold to revolve my whole life around the Olympics. I didn’t really have any other plans other than the Olympics and that was it.

“When that went it was like, ‘oh, now what?’

“Then we had the European Championships and then they were cancelled, not even postponed.

“It was gutting because the Olympics only come around once every four years and it was something I was really looking to perform at.

“At the same time, when things were evolving in March time it didn’t come as a surprise to me that it was postponed.

“I’m just glad it wasn’t cancelled.”