We talk to a two-time Olympic finalist who has deliberately moved out of his comfort zone

It’s grim up north, apparently, but this sweeping statement does not appear true when relocating south from Scotland: “The sun hasn’t stopped shining,” says a happy Andy Butchart who is speaking to AW from his new home just outside Manchester.

Butchart and his family – son Max and pregnant wife Lynsey (double Olympian and former European 800m champion Lynsey Sharp) – have settled in well, a situation helped by the fact that fellow Scot Jake Wightman is providing much-needed company on the track.

“We were just getting a bit stale [back home],” says the two-time Olympic 5000m finalist and Scottish record-holder (13:06.21). “We needed to get out of our comfort zone.”

Manchester made sense. The prospect of a world champion training partner was appealing, but also important was the fact that Butchart would be in close proximity to physiotherapist Andy Walling, who had treated him regularly since Haglund’s surgery in April 2024. 

In some ways, surgery was a fresh start. 

The Central AC athlete had committed much of 2023 to preparing for his marathon debut in New York. The race didn’t go to plan – he stepped off the course at mile 18 – but the training made him stronger and provided clarity of where he wanted to be on his return: back on the track.

“I don’t think I was ready for the marathon,” admits the 33-year-old. “I love running but I hated the long runs, and whenever we got back on the track I realised I missed it.

“I had a really good chat with Mo Farah and Bashir Abdi and they were both like: ‘Butchy, you can definitely run a faster marathon but you’re not a marathon runner’. I like to compete, and at the end of the day I know that I’m not going to win a marathon major, so I’m not necessarily competing against other people. I like to race, I like tactics, and that’s not really part of the marathon unless you’re at the top end.”

Gary Lough guided Butchart through his marathon build but the pair parted company on good terms just before the race. The latter since reunited with former coach Barry Fudge (former British Athletics head of endurance). Sharp will also play her part; no stranger to the challenges of life as an elite athlete, she will keep things in check at home while offering wise counsel on what’s possible. 

Butchart admits that making the British team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo is a reach, but he would be delighted to run quicker than ever before in the 5000m and to win this year’s British title.

“Jake and I have worked really well together over the last month and it’s felt like a breath of fresh air,” he says. “I know it’s not going to be a walk in the park, but I’m hitting the same sorts of times and splits I have done in the past, if not faster, and I’d like to be recognised again on the British scene. 

“When Barry and I first sat down, the goal he set in mind was to medal in the 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games next year, so it’s about putting myself in the best position possible to do that. I know that there will be bumps along the way, but I guess this year it’s just building momentum.” 

Butchart knows he’s fortunate to be back running after an injury that can often be career-ending for athletes. He also has lived experience of returning from major surgery (he fractured his navicular in 2018) and running well. “It could be a blessing in disguise,” he reflects. “My body feels good and I’m sitting behind Jake in some quicker reps and it’s fun and it’s exciting. I just need to be sensible and just enjoy it. 

“I have nothing to lose, and the thing that makes me so happy right now is that Max knows I’m a runner…I’m excited for the new one to come along and hopefully I can inspire them as much as I inspire him.”