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Eilidh Doyle highlights the vital role of graduates during visit to meet Abertay sports science students
Olympic medallist and Commonwealth Games star Eilidh Doyle has praised the vital role universities play in developing the next generation of professionals who support sport at every level during a visit to Abertay University.
The former Scotland and Great Britain athlete visited the University’s Dundee campus ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, meeting staff and students and touring the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences’ Human Performance Lab.
She also took part in a public discussion event exploring elite performance, resilience and success, alongside demonstrations in Abertay’s Sports Therapy facilities.
An Abertay Honorary Graduate and one of Scotland’s most decorated track and field athletes, Eilidh also learned more about the University’s wider contribution to community health and participation, including its work with schools through Active Schools partnerships where students deliver more than 200 hours of free activity to young people each week, and Abertay’s commitment to supporting healthier communities through wellbeing initiatives.
Speaking during the visit, Eilidh Doyle said:
When people think about sporting success, they often focus on the athletes, but behind every athlete is a huge team of people helping them perform at their best. Sports therapists, coaches, sport scientists, physiotherapists, psychologists, strength and conditioning specialists and many others all play a crucial role. Universities are helping to educate and develop those professionals, supporting sport at every level – from schools and grassroots clubs through to elite competition. If we want healthy communities, successful sports programmes and future champions, we need graduates with the skills and expertise to support them. As we look ahead to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, it's important to remember that major sporting events don't just rely on athletes. Every competitor will be supported by teams of highly trained professionals working behind the scenes to help them prepare, compete and recover. Many of those people will have come through our universities, gaining the knowledge and practical experience needed to make a real difference.
A three-time Commonwealth silver medallist and former Team Scotland flag bearer, Eilidh was introduced to Abertay’s expanding sport and health provision, including its new MSc Sports Therapy programme, which is designed to equip graduates with the practical skills required to work across professional sport, rehabilitation and healthcare settings.
Eilidh added:
The Commonwealth Games have always been incredibly special to me, and they provide a platform that inspires people of all ages to get involved in sport. But they also showcase the opportunities that exist beyond competing. Whether you want to work in therapy, coaching, performance analysis, health, wellbeing or community sport, there are fantastic careers that help athletes and communities thrive. Visits like this are a great reminder of the important role universities play in helping students build the knowledge, confidence and practical experience needed to make a difference in sport and in their communities.
