Up and coming - Graeme Oudney: Accountant figuring on Olympic place

Published on Saturday 13 December 2008 18:50

NUMBERS PLAY a big part in Graeme Oudney's life. During office hours the rookie accountant bounces them around with enthusiasm, while evenings and weekends are spent trying to trim vital fractions from the time it takes him to run round the track at Caird Park in Dundee.

In the summer, the 23-year-old was devastated when he couldn't quite come up with the figures to earn a place in Team GB for the Beijing Olympics. But, following a counselling session with coach Liz McColgan, the next few years offer many enticing opportunities for one of Scotland's most promising middle-distance runners.

For the 800m specialist, it is unlikely to be the conventional path towards sporting glory. So often nowadays, it is presumed that an all-or-nothing approach is required to reach the very top. But Oudney is convinced he can juggle a challenging career with the demands of punishing training sessions.

Having graduated from Dundee University last year, he is now working full-time in his local branch of one of Scotland's leading chartered accountancy firms, Henderson Loggie. "I'm going through my training period and should be fully qualified next summer," he said.

"Working full-time might not be right for all athletes, but it works perfectly for me. The company really helps me out and everyone is very supportive and sympathetic to my athletic needs. For example, I sometimes have to get away early for a training session, or take time off for a competition. There is never any problem. "

Fortunately, he is also allowed special leave to attend training camps. Last month, Oudney was named as a member of Scotland's new Commonwealth Games Support Programme and that means he will be rewarded with some warm weather training early in 2009.

The new year will start with some serious indoor competition at the DM Hall Scottish Championships at the Kelvin Hall in mid-January and, almost from then onwards, everything will be geared towards three major Championships – the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games with the 2012 Olympic Games sandwiched in between.

"I missed Beijing by just fractions and I was really disappointed," said Oudney. "But, after the Olympic trials, I sat down with Liz (McColgan] and she asked me if I wanted to go on for another four years. There and then, I knew I really wanted an Olympics.

"Work-wise, I might have to make a decision about staying full-time. But, at the moment, my mindset is that if it's not broken don't fix it and I think it is good having the accountancy as a distraction."

As a member of McColgan's burgeoning stable of talent at Hawkhill Harriers, Oudney finds plenty of stimulation within his training environment. "I've been in the group for three years and I was one of the first guys. But, through word of mouth, the squad has really expanded and there are now about 40 of us.

"There is a big depth of talent and people are doing really well. I think that, the next few years, a lot of new faces will come through."

Oudney admits that McColgan, the former Commonwealth and world 10,000m champion, is a tough task mistress, but he wouldn't want it any other way. Introduced to the sport by a neighbour when he was just eight years old, athletics has become a way of life. Even his girlfriend, Laura Brown, is an 800m runner and another of McColgan's crop.

Following the Kelvin Hall meet, Oudney's next big target will be the Aviva European Championships and UK trials in Sheffield in March. "At the moment, I'm doing around 15 sessions a week and it's been a tough winter of training, but I'm really motivated for the years ahead," he said.

"The London 2012 Olympics should be amazing and then the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. It really is an very exciting time to be involved in athletics and I know I want to be part of it."

NAME: Graeme Oudney

DATE OF BIRTH: 11/04/1985

AGE: 23

BORN: Dundee

KEY MOMENT: Going to the European Under-23 Championships in Hungary last year and making the final.

INSPIRATION: My dad, Sandy. He was always so encouraging and has played a huge part in my athletics career.

ASPIRATION: To make the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, then the 2012 Olympics and, hopefully, stay on for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I think that would be a great place to finish my career. I've been to Hampden to watch the Scottish football team and the atmosphere was just amazing. I think it would be the same as a home athlete at a major games.