The Scottish teen is trying to keep up with Laura Muir and the hard work is paying off

Training alongside British 1500m record-holder Laura Muir is clearly rubbing off on 19-year-old Jemma Reekie.

The European under-20 1500m champion, who has clocked a series of PBs this year, prepared for the summer season at a training camp in Font Romeu chasing Muir around the track and trails.

Jemma credits moving to Andy Young’s squad in 2015 for her improvement. Her week’s training usually consists of training on the track twice plus a grass or hills training session on a Saturday.

“The sessions we do are very hard with short recoveries and high intensity, so they take a while of getting used to, if you can ever get used to them,” explains the Kilbarchan athlete with a laugh.

“Andy and the group get on very well and, even when the sessions are at their toughest, we have fun when we can.”

Jemma also enjoyed a training camp to South Africa earlier in the winter and again benefited from training with Muir.

“We both work off each other well, as she knows I’m behind working and I can see her flying in front!” says Jemma. “South Africa was a great experience and I am really happy with my form since I returned.”

Having recently completed her Higher National Certificate in sports coaching and development and level 2 fitness instructor exams, Jemma is now taking on a level 3 personal training course.

As a fellow animal lover, Jemma is quick to praise her training partner Muir who fits in studying to be a vet around elite athletics.

“I really admire Laura for doing that,” explains Jemma. “She is an inspiration in everything she does. She does everything to 100% and she is so humble with it.”