Albyn pupils shine at Scottish Athletics Championships

Competing for their local club, Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club, three Albyn pupils produced exceptional performances at the Championships, with Millie G-P (S2), James S (S3) and Tyler F (S4) all securing medals in their respective events.

Millie took gold in the Under 14 1500m, producing an excellent performance of 4.32.32 and personal best to claim the Scottish Championship title, breaking the previous Championship record of 4.54.64 set in 2024. James also put in a strong showing in the Under 16 1500m final, securing a well-deserved bronze medal.

Tyler enjoyed a particularly successful Championships, delivering three personal bests and taking two bronze medals, one in the Under 16 300m hurdles final and another in the Under 16 100m hurdles final.

The success did not stop there, with two further Albyn pupils reaching the finals of their events. Grace R (S4) competed in the Under 16 1500m final finishing 5th, while Jess D (S1) also finished 5th in the Under 14 1500m, both demonstrating the high level of talent and commitment among the school’s young athletes.

While the pupils were representing their local club at the Championships, their achievements also reflect the importance placed on athletics and wider sporting development at Albyn. The school provides an environment where pupils can pursue sporting ambitions alongside their academic studies, with training, competition and schoolwork carefully balanced.

Deputy Head (Pupil Wellbeing) of Albyn School, Nichola Crawford, who is also a coach with Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club, said:

“We are incredibly proud of the commitment and determination shown by all five pupils. Competing at championship level is about much more than simply running fast; it is about learning how to perform when the pressure is on. Championship events bring a very different environment, with call rooms, set warm-up times and strict schedules, and the athletes have to learn to manage the anticipation and pressure that comes with knowing they have one opportunity to perform.”

Nichola continued…

“They are also developing the ability to race tactically, adapting their approach depending on whether they are competing in heats, semi-finals or finals. Learning when to conserve energy, when to position themselves, and when to commit to a decisive move is an important part of becoming a mature athlete. The experience of progressing through a championship, managing the demands of multiple rounds and performing when it matters most is invaluable.

What is particularly impressive is the way these young athletes balance these athletics commitments with the demands of school. They are developing discipline, time management, resilience and composure, while learning to deal with both the highs and pressures of competitive sport. These are skills that will serve them extremely well, both on the athletics track and well beyond it.”

Athletics forms an important part of the sporting environment at Albyn, with pupils encouraged to develop their skills, challenge themselves and pursue their individual sporting goals. The school is committed to supporting pupils who compete at club, regional and national level, recognising the benefits that participation in sport brings both on and off the field.

The weekend’s results are a fantastic reflection of the pupils’ dedication and hard work, and the whole school community would like to congratulate Millie, James, Tyler, Grace and Jess on their achievements at the Scottish Athletics Championships.