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OLD FETTESIAN NEWSLETTER NO. 66, JULY 2021
FETTES AT THE OLYMPICS
Sport has always played an important role in the life of Fettes, so it comes as no surprise that some of our OFs have gone on to become Olympians. As the sporting world looks to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan (23rd July – 8th August) at time of print, we take a look at the OFs and staff that have either represented their country at the Olympics or are looking forward to doing so in Tokyo. Ian Bowhill MBE (Gl 1917–1920) (Deceased) represented Great Britain in the Men’s Singles Figure Skating at the 1928 Winter Olympics, St. Moritz, Switzerland, finishing in 14th place. Dr Ewan Douglas (Gl 1936–1940) (Deceased) represented Great Britain in the Men’s Hammer Throw at the Summer Olympics of 1948 and 1952. During his athletic career, he set three British records, with his third record in 1955 (58.68 m) standing as a Scottish national record for 12 years. A. Fergus Murray (Staff 1967–1997) represented Great Britain in the 10,000m at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Fergus shared his thoughts with us ahead of Tokyo 2020: “I was very disappointed coming 22nd as I was suffering from a cold. However, the Olympic experience was magnificent and unlike nowadays, there was little security and a very relaxed and informal atmosphere. We shared 4 to a room and they were never locked. Lynn Davies had his long jump gold medal sitting openly on his table although I didn't share a room with him. “In my early years at Fettes on the staff, the College were very supportive in enabling me to continue running at a high level up to and beyond the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. “I am not sure how I feel about the 2020 Olympics taking place in Tokyo with the constraints and confinements. We were able to explore Tokyo after competing and also train in the adjacent Meiji Park.”
Lizzie Goodburn
Fiona McIntosh (Ca 1976–1978) represented Great Britain in Fencing at the Summer Olympics of 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996. At the Barcelona Olympic Games held in 1992, Fiona reached the quarter finals of the Foil, the best result for a British female since 1956. Lizzie Goodburn (née Crichton) (CW 1993–1998) represented Great Britain in the rowing team at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. We caught up with Lizzie about her experience: “I felt very proud, excited and a bit nervous to be representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games. I was also delighted by all the new kit emblazoned with Union Jacks. However, as the sports psychologists told us, you have to try to put the pageantry out of your head and focus on winning your races. Luckily, the rowing competition concludes in the first week of the Olympic schedule so there is plenty of time in the second week for 'rest and relaxation'! “Without a doubt Fettes helped in my journey to the Olympics in so many ways. Fettes gives you the opportunity to try so many things, academic and extra-curricular so you can find your place to excel. My classmates are lifelong friends and have been a constant source of support and encouragement. Boarding taught me resilience and independence, as well as allowing me in the CW kitchen to perfect the art of making instant noodles with a three-round marmite toast chaser – a skill that certainly proved useful after particularly hard training sessions. “Lacrosse was my best sport at Fettes – I have lots of memories of glorious muddy victories and equally muddy crushing defeats. I have very fond memories of the many teachers who gave their time to coaching us and driving all around Scotland to matches. I will also never forget the bone-chilling fear of the inter-house cross-country and mile relay – let's just say I'm better at sitting down sports than ones that involve running! “In the Olympic year I was lucky enough to be able to call rowing my full-time job. We had three training sessions a day,
Katherine Douglas with her fellow Great British Rowing team members
