The Paris Olympics 2024 is looming and no one can feel the pressure more than the track and field athletes. The previous season was nothing less than remarkable for the top stars, and they have pledged to carry the legacy forward in 2024. The Scottish record holder in the marathon, Callum Hawkins, was at the mouth of setbacks often. But when he returned to the track every time, his miseries vanished.

The 31-year-old marathoner from Scotland missed the World Championships podium by an inch for two consecutive World Championships (2018, 2019). But the mantra ‘never give up’ has steered his wheel throughout. Even now, eyeing the Paris Olympics, he’s not willing to stop.

Track icon Callum Hawkins is a storehouse of determination

The Herald invited Hawkins for an exclusive interview, which Susan Egelstaff hosted. Since a very young age, the 31-year-old’s life has been plagued by injuries. Before 2013, he had two knee injuries. Later, after he lost the coveted podium at the 2019 World Championships, he was on and off the injured bed. But the constant stream of injuries didn’t cloud his Paris Olympics 2024 dreamy eyes. “I’ve honestly never thought about stopping”, he said to Egelstaff.

“I’m going to keep going until the legs fall off. Until I go for it and it really doesn’t happen for me, I’ll keep at it… I always knew I’d keep going.” This positivity can only come from an athlete of great measure. And Callum Hawkins has proven himself to be that time and again. Several times he had planned a comeback but something or the other spilled water. Let’s take a look at the harrowing years in the middle.

The path to the Paris Olympics 2024 is thorned

Towards the beginning of the beginning of 2022, Hawkins underwent ankle surgery. But later that year, when he was on his healing journey, his comeback plan was halted by a stress fracture of his femur. This was followed by a hamstring tear and a pelvis stress fracture, which faltered his growth, thus ruling him out of the 2023 races.

“It was so tough going round getting advice but nothing was helping me…you miss three or four races and that can be two years out of your career”. But the ensuing statement said it all. I’ve got a great ability to put things to the back of my head and move on”. Hopefully, his ‘move on’ strategy pays off at the Paris Olympics 2024 and he unfurls victory again.

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