College graduate goes for gold at Olympics

City of Glasgow College is cheering on former student, Jemma Reekie, who was selected to represent Team GB in the 800 metres event at the Olympic Games.

The talented athlete graduated with an HNC in Sports Coaching from the college in 2016. Just four years earlier, a 14 year old Jemma carried the Olympic torch ahead of the 2012 Games in London.

“That was when my Olympic journey began,” explains Jemma. “I didn’t know it would come this soon but I am so excited to compete in Tokyo. The British girls should be looking to medals as we are all very strong, and in with a chance. We all push one another and we all deserve to be there.”

Sport captured Jemma’s imagination from the moment she joined her PE teacher Mrs Duncan’s cross country group at Beith Primary School at the age of nine. Her passion for running took her to Kilbarchan Amateur Athletic Club and continued throughout her school years.

“I never really enjoyed school as I was always focused more on running,” said Jemma. “During class I was always thinking how I could fit homework around training. My parents’ encouraged me to explore other options so I started to look at college and City of Glasgow College seemed the perfect stepping stone for me.

“Studying at the college was a really good experience as it pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was so young, only 16, but I think coming to study in Glasgow at that age made me more so much more confident and really helped develop me.”

Iain Houston, Associate Dean of Sport and Fitness, said:

"Only five years ago Jemma represented the college at the Scottish University & College Association Championships. Now she is a world-class athlete representing Team GB at Tokyo 2020."

“Coming to the college was great for me as I am obsessed about sport,” said Jemma. “I was able to learn things I didn’t know about sport like psychology and nutrition. No matter what I studied, I always took it as a learning opportunity to develop my skills and improve my training.

“The lecturers all took an interest in me and my running, and I could relate to them all as I had a passion for sport and so did they. And I got access to the gym pretty much whenever I needed it. I can honestly say my time at college was the best, and so much fun.”

Jemma’s training regime often involved weeks away at training camps, a cause for concern while she was still studying at college. “I needn’t have worried. The college was so supportive, making sure I had everything I needed to work on my assessments. They always found a way to make it work for me.”

Whilst studying for her HNC Jemma started being coached by Andy Young, who coaches a number of elite Scottish athletes include Laura Muir who is Jemma’s team mate and training partner. Her sporting hero is Dame Kelly Holmes, winner of both the 800m and 1500m races at the 2004 Olympics and a feat still unmatched by any female British runner.

“Kelly is such an inspiration,” adds Jemma. “When I watch her races I can see just how strong mentally and physically she was an athlete, and I have learned so much from her.”

In her lead up to being selected for the Olympics Jemma was the first British athlete to win gold in both the 800 and 1500 metres at the 2019 European U23 Championship in Sweden. This success was followed up in 2020 when she broke three British records inside eight days during the indoor season for the 800m, 1500m and mile. Her 800m time was a world indoor lead.

"Jemma has shown just what can be achieved when you dedicate your life to a sport you are passionate about,” added Iain Houston. “The sports coaching staff at City of Glasgow College is proud to have played a part in her journey. Let's hope her hard work and dedication leads to a well-deserved podium finish for her at these Olympics.”

For Jemma, her ambition is to make it through the rounds and to be in the final.

“Qualifying for the Olympics has been my ambition. I want to enjoy it, have a great experience and learn how to manage that environment. My main goal is to be on the podium, I can’t hide that fact. Anything can happen but I know what I am capable of and I would love a podium finish.”

Jemma is closing in on her ambition having completed her semi-final with a qualifying time of 1:59:77 which means she is through the final of the 800m which takes place on Tuesday 3 August. We wish her all the very best!