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Spotlight · Sport and recreation
Eilidh Doyle
Scotland's most decorated track and field athlete, Olympic medallist and the first woman to carry Scotland's flag at a Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Key facts
- Olympic bronze medallist, 4 x 400 metres relay, Rio 2016
- European champion, 400 metres hurdles, 2014
- 17 major championship medals, the most of any Scottish track and field athlete
- Scotland's first female flag bearer, Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast 2018
Their story
Celebrating Dr Eilidh Doyle
Our third Honorary Doctor this week from Abertay University is Eilidh Doyle, Scotland's most decorated track and field athlete.
Abertay awarded Eilidh an Honorary Doctor of Arts at its summer graduation in Dundee in July 2022.
A career at the top of world athletics Eilidh was born in Perth in 1987. From 2009 to 2021 she competed at the highest level in the 400 metres hurdles, the 400 metres and the 4 x 400 metres relay. She represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games and won bronze in the 4 x 400 metres relay at Rio 2016. She became European champion in the 400 metres hurdles in 2014 and won Commonwealth silver in the event in 2010, 2014 and 2018. Her 17 medals at major championships are the most won by any Scottish track and field athlete.
Leading by example In 2018 her fellow athletes chose Eilidh to carry Scotland's flag at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. She was the first woman to do so.
Supporting the next generation Since retiring in 2021, Eilidh has given her time to the sport and to young athletes. In 2024 she became the first Patron of the charity Athletics Trust Scotland, having served as a trustee since its formation. In 2025 the University of Edinburgh appointed her a Global Ambassador for Sport, mentoring elite student athletes.
Why this matters Eilidh's honour from Abertay recognises excellence earned over more than a decade, and a continuing commitment to the athletes who follow her.