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Yvonne Murray returns home to Musselburgh to share her love of sport

In September, we welcomed our Patron and 1994 Commonwealth Games Champion Yvonne Murray MBE as she headed back to her home-town of Musselburgh to share her stories from a life involved in athletics and sport.

Yvonne joined our club members alongside her husband Tom Mooney at Musselburgh Rugby Club as she returned home to speak about her career and how she rose to the very top of elite middle-distance running from her beginnings at Musselburgh and District Athletics club.

Yvonne brought some of her own memorabilia to the session to show to members and others from the local community who had come along to the open event, including some of her medals from national and international competitions, as well as running tops and other unique items she collected during her decorated career.

During the session, Yvonne also took part in a question-and-answer session with members as they asked questions about her life growing up in Musselburgh and making the transition from the athletics club to the international world of European, Commonwealth and Olympic games.

One of her proudest memories mentioned on the day was actually away from the track, when she received her MBE from Queen Elizabeth II. Yvonne recalled the feeling of terror before receiving the award from Her Majesty despite the sense of great pride at having being recognised in such a way.

To wrap up the brilliant session, members of the athletics club who attended the session as well as presenting Yvonne with a very special running jersey in honour of her fantastic achievements for not just the club, but for Scottish and British athletics as well.

Rob Risien, Musselburgh Sporting Memories Volunteer, was delighted to have Yvonne attend the club: "It was a great welcome back home to Musselburgh for Yvonne, alongside Tom, and we were so pleased to have such a great turnout from the local community.

“She is considered a local sporting hero, and we were thrilled to welcome her to the rugby club for a thoroughly enjoyable and interactive session. There will always be a seat at the Sporting Memories table whenever she decides to pop by for a visit!"