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Laura Muir trades 1500m for 5,000m at Glasgow Commonwealth Games

BBC Sport •
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Scotland’s middle‑distance star Laura Muir confirmed she will step up to the 5,000m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 33‑year‑old, who captured 1500m gold in Birmingham 2022, faces a schedule that omits her signature event at Scotstoun Stadium. Opting for the longer distance, she hopes the race will sharpen the stamina needed for future targets and aims to gauge her pacing.

Muir explained the move is an “experiment year” aimed at bolstering endurance ahead of a crowded championship calendar. She cited the upcoming World Championships and the long‑term goal of peaking for the 2028 Olympics, noting that the 1500m field has become increasingly deep and maintain her speed. A stronger aerobic base, she believes, could keep her competitive as rivals improve.

By testing the 5k now, Muir hopes to return to the 1500m with heightened resilience, a strategy that could influence her standing on the global circuit. Success in Glasgow would add a new medal to her résumé and signal that the distance shift is more than a one‑off trial and could reshape selection criteria. Her performance will be watched closely by British Athletics officials.