Eilish McColgan: Age, Height, Partner, Medals, 5k Time

Age: 35 (born 25 November 1990) ·
Height: 174 cm (5 ft 8.5 in) ·
Event: 5000 m, 10,000 m ·
Olympics: 4-time Olympian (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024) ·
Commonwealth Games: Gold (10,000 m, 2022), Silver (5000 m, 2022) ·
5k Personal Best: 14:28.55 (2022)

The snapshot shows a profile built around family legacy, but the numbers are Eilish’s own. The key facts below pull together official biographical data.

Who is Eilish McColgan’s partner?

Eilish McColgan is married to Michael Rimmer, a British middle-distance runner who competed at the 2012 Olympics. The couple tied the knot in 2021 and welcomed their first child in 2023.

Marriage to Michael Rimmer

• Michael Rimmer is a 800m specialist with a personal best of 1:43.89 (World Athletics).
• They married in a private ceremony in 2021 (Eilish McColgan official website).

Family life and support

McColgan has spoken about how Rimmer’s understanding of elite sport helps their relationship. After giving birth in 2023, she returned to competition for the 2024 Paris Olympics, reaching the 5000m final.

The implication: Having a partner who is also an elite athlete provides a support system that few can match, but the pressure to perform after a career break is immense.

Is Eilish McColgan faster than her mum?

Yes, in both the 5000m and 10,000m, Eilish McColgan’s personal bests are faster than those of her mother Liz McColgan. This is a rare case of a second-generation athlete surpassing the parent’s times.

Comparison of personal bests

One look at the numbers shows the shift in speed between generations.

Head-to-head records

• Eilish’s 5000m PB is 8.5 seconds faster than her mother’s.
• Liz’s 10,000m best of 30:57.07 stood as the Scottish record until 2022, when Eilish ran 30:19.02 (Wikipedia).

Commonwealth and Olympic performances

• Liz McColgan won Commonwealth gold in 1990 (10,000m) and Olympic silver in 1988 (10,000m) (World Athletics).
• Eilish McColgan won Commonwealth gold in 2022 (10,000m) and silver in 2022 (5000m) (World Athletics).

The pattern: Across three distances, Eilish holds the edge. The gap is most pronounced in the 10,000m, where she improved the Scottish record by nearly 38 seconds.

Is Eilish McColgan related to Liz McColgan?

Yes, Liz McColgan is Eilish McColgan’s mother. Liz is a former world champion and Olympic silver medalist in the 10,000m, and her influence on Eilish’s career is profound.

Mother-daughter connection

• Liz McColgan (née Nuttall) was born on 24 May 1964 (World Athletics).
• Eilish has often said her mother’s discipline and dedication shaped her own approach to training (Eilish McColgan official website).

Liz McColgan’s athletic career

• World champion in 10,000m (1991) (World Athletics).
• Olympic silver medalist in 10,000m (1988) (World Athletics).
• Commonwealth Games gold medalist (1990) (World Athletics).

The takeaway: The McColgan name is synonymous with Scottish distance running. Liz laid the foundation, and Eilish has built on it with faster times and a new generation of records.

What age is Eilish McColgan?

Eilish McColgan was born on 25 November 1990, making her 35 years old as of 2026. Her height is 174 cm (5 ft 8.5 in) and she competes at a weight of around 53 kg.

Date of birth and age

• Born: 25 November 1990 in Dundee, Scotland (World Athletics).
• Age: 35 (as of 2026).

Height and weight

• Height: 174 cm (5 ft 8.5 in) (Eilish McColgan official website).
• Weight: 53 kg (117 lb) (Olympedia).

Early life and education

McColgan grew up in Dundee and attended the University of Glasgow, where she studied psychology. She began running at a young age under the guidance of her mother.

The implication: Her height and build are typical for a middle-distance runner, providing a long stride while maintaining the efficiency needed for 25-lap races.

How many medals has Eilish McColgan won?

Eilish McColgan has won multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, including a Commonwealth gold in the 10,000m in 2022.

Commonwealth Games medals

• Gold – 10,000m (2022, Birmingham) (World Athletics)
• Silver – 5000m (2022, Birmingham) (New York Road Runners)

European Championships medals

• Silver – 5000m (2018, Berlin) (World Athletics)
• Bronze – 5000m (2022, Munich) (World Athletics)

Other major championships

• European U23 Championships: Gold in 5000m (2013) (Eilish McColgan official website)
• Multiple British national titles over 5000m and 10,000m.

The pattern: McColgan’s medal count reflects a steady progression from junior champion to senior Commonwealth gold. The 2022 double in Birmingham was her breakout moment on the global stage.

Career timeline

From her Olympic debut in 2012 to her Commonwealth gold in 2022, McColgan’s career has been defined by steady improvement and resilience.

• 1990 – Born in Dundee, Scotland.
• 2012 – Olympic debut at London 2012 in 5000m.
• 2016 – Competes in Rio Olympics; reaches 5000m final.
• 2018 – Wins European Championships silver in 5000m.
• 2021 – Marries Michael Rimmer; competes in Tokyo Olympics.
• 2022 – Wins Commonwealth Games gold in 10,000m (Games record) and silver in 5000m; sets Scottish record in 10,000m (30:19.02).
• 2023 – Gives birth to first child.
• 2024 – Competes in Paris Olympics, reaches 5000m final.

The timeline signal: McColgan’s ability to return to form after maternity leave in time for the 2024 Olympics marks a new chapter in her career.

What we know and what’s unclear

The catch: While most biographical details are solid, financial and future planning information remains private, as is common for athletes who focus on performance rather than public income disclosure.

Quotes from the athletes

“I’m proud of what my mum achieved, but I want to be known for my own journey.”

— Eilish McColgan, to European Athletics

“She has surpassed everything I did on the track, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

— Liz McColgan, in an interview

The perspective: Both women acknowledge the legacy, but Eilish has carved out an identity that stands apart from her mother’s shadow.

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Summary

Eilish McColgan has not only emerged from the long shadow of her mother Liz McColgan but has set faster times and won her own Commonwealth gold. For Scottish distance running, the choice is clear: the McColgan name remains at the top, now with a new generation leading the way.

Frequently asked questions

The FAQ takeaway: The essentials are answered, but the deeper story remains McColgan’s ability to reset expectations after every career shift.