Megan Keith, 23, has been named as the British hope for this weekend's World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida. The Inverness-based athlete, who won European individual and team silvers last month, is keen to follow in the footsteps of her countrywomen like Paula Radcliffe, a former marathon world record holder and four-time Olympian.
For Keith, cross-country is more than just an event - it's a passion that has driven her since she was a child. "Grassy hills and boggy ditches are my happy place," she said. However, after winning the European Under-23 title two years ago, Keith realized that if she wanted to become a professional athlete, she needed to look beyond the mud and brutal ascents of cross-country.
In recent years, the sport has struggled with declining popularity and funding. The number of participants at top-level events has fallen significantly, from over 800 in the early 2000s to around 500 this weekend. This decline is attributed to a lack of financial incentive, as British Athletics funding is linked specifically to track and road performances in Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.
Despite this, there is growing momentum for cross-country's potential inclusion in the Winter Olympics. World Athletics president Lord Coe has long advocated for its inclusion, and Britain is formulating bids to host multiple international competitions over the next few years. The prospect of greater exposure and increased funding could encourage athletes like Keith to take the sport more seriously.
"For me, cross-country is the purist form of distance running," Keith said. "There's so much potential." With her sights set on Tallahassee, Keith is ready to make a statement for British athletics and prove that cross-country still has a place in the world of elite running.
For Keith, cross-country is more than just an event - it's a passion that has driven her since she was a child. "Grassy hills and boggy ditches are my happy place," she said. However, after winning the European Under-23 title two years ago, Keith realized that if she wanted to become a professional athlete, she needed to look beyond the mud and brutal ascents of cross-country.
In recent years, the sport has struggled with declining popularity and funding. The number of participants at top-level events has fallen significantly, from over 800 in the early 2000s to around 500 this weekend. This decline is attributed to a lack of financial incentive, as British Athletics funding is linked specifically to track and road performances in Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.
Despite this, there is growing momentum for cross-country's potential inclusion in the Winter Olympics. World Athletics president Lord Coe has long advocated for its inclusion, and Britain is formulating bids to host multiple international competitions over the next few years. The prospect of greater exposure and increased funding could encourage athletes like Keith to take the sport more seriously.
"For me, cross-country is the purist form of distance running," Keith said. "There's so much potential." With her sights set on Tallahassee, Keith is ready to make a statement for British athletics and prove that cross-country still has a place in the world of elite running.
! She's like totally dedicated to this sport and it shows. I mean, who wouldn't want to run through all those muddy hills and ditches? 
But seriously, it's awesome that she's got the passion and drive to pursue her dreams, even when the going gets tough.
! It'd give athletes like Keith more opportunities to compete on the big stage and maybe even bring in some new fans. Plus, it's great that Lord Coe is pushing for its inclusion - he's definitely got a point about how important it is for the sport.
. She's not just in it for the fame or fortune (although those are nice perks too 
), but because running cross-country makes her happy. That's something we can all get behind! 
She's literally the definition of a role model - passionate about what she does & always pushing herself to be better 
. I mean, can you blame her for wanting more funding for cross-country tho? 500 participants at top-level events is, like, super low 
. It's crazy how the sport has been struggling with declining popularity & funding 
. But, fingers crossed that Keith's involvement will help raise awareness & get more support for the sport 
. A Winter Olympics bid would be amazing too! 
. And can we talk about how inspiring it is that she's chasing her passion, even when the sport itself is struggling? 
! It's time for this sport to get some more love and recognition. And I have no doubt that athletes like Megan Keith are going to be at the forefront of that movement 
. Who knows, maybe we'll see a new generation of elite runners taking the sport by storm 
.
! I'm loving how she's passionate about cross-country - it's so inspiring to see athletes pouring their heart and soul into something they love 
. And yeah, it's crazy that the sport has been struggling with funding... but if the Winter Olympics inclusion thing goes through, that could be a total game-changer for British athletics 
, but we've got talented athletes like Megan Keith competing at the top level in cross-country... shouldn't we be supporting both events equally? 
. Meanwhile, the World Cross Country Championships have been steadily increasing in attendance over the years... it's like there's a disconnect between what we're investing in and what's getting results 
. How about we allocate some of that British Athletics funding towards cross-country? 
.
. But let's be real, have you seen the course for Tallahassee? 
500 participants? That's crazy! I hope it doesn't get too crowded 
. Can't wait to see Megan in action this weekend 
Anyway, if Keith can make a splash at this weekend's championships and get more people interested in the sport, I think that's awesome! Maybe we'll see some new faces showing up to events soon. Fingers crossed for her! 
the lack of participation is def a result of this, people need to step up and support these talented athletes who r willing to put their bodies thru hell 4 our entertainment 
. But, you know, if they get included in the Winter Olympics, maybe we'll see a resurgence? Fingers crossed for Megan and the rest of the British team! 
. I'm also loving her quote about cross-country being the "purist form of distance running" - so true!
I mean, sure it's not as flashy as track or road running, but there's something so beautiful and pure about it. Plus, if it gets included in the Winter Olympics, that would be a major win for the sport! 
.
. Bring it on, Tallahassee! 
i think its awesome dat Megan Keith is gettin so much hype 4 this wknd! but honestly tho, its kinda sad dat Brit athletics is doin dis much 4 cross-country 
All these years and the funding is tied to track and road events? That's not fair to athletes who actually love running on trails and hills.