In Memory of Sheila Atkinson (1943–2025)

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sheila Atkinson, one of our longest-serving and most successful coaches. Sheila passed away two days ago at the age of 81.

Sheila stepped back from coaching during the pandemic, bringing to a close an incredible 36 years of dedicated service to our club. She was awarded Life Membership in October 2020—a fitting tribute to her immense contribution. Sheila was held in the highest regard by the Committee, her fellow coaches, and our entire membership.

Sheila’s lifelong connection with athletics began at the age of 12, when she joined North Shields Polytechnic Club in Tyne and Wear. A talented all-rounder, she specialised in sprints, long jump and shot put, and went on to represent Northumberland in the 80-yard hurdles and long jump at the National Schools Championships.

After moving to Glasgow, Sheila worked at the Trustee Savings Bank before settling in Torrance with her husband Brian, where they raised three sons. Later, she returned to work as a teaching auxiliary at Campsie View School—a reflection of her lifelong commitment to helping young people thrive.

Like many of our club’s coaches, Sheila’s journey into coaching began by supporting her sons—Mark, Stephen and Graeme—when they joined Victoria Park. All three excelled in their events, and Sheila soon found herself recruited into the coaching team by then Secretary Wallace Crawford.

Sheila quickly became a cornerstone of our youth programme, introducing hundreds of children to athletics through her dual roles as coach and team manager. Working closely with Kate Young and Hugh Baillie, Sheila was part of a golden era for the club.

Her coaching legacy is perhaps best seen in her highly respected hurdles group. Sheila specialised in the 110m and 400m hurdles, mentoring outstanding athletes such as David Martin, Calum Innes and Gregor Innes. Under her guidance:

•David Martin won the 400m hurdles at the English AAA Championships in Birmingham (2005) and later struck gold with the GB 4x400m relay team at the European Junior Championships in Hengelo (2007).

•Gregor Innes claimed silver in the 400m hurdles at the English AAA Championships at Don Valley in 2007.

•Calum Innes represented Scotland at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India.

Sheila’s coaching credentials were recognised beyond our club. She was mentored by Nick Dakin (Head Coach, Loughborough University), and her group’s success drew the legendary David Hemery—Olympic champion in 1968—to Scotland to work with them on several occasions.

Sheila’s dedication extended far beyond competition. She loved warm-weather training trips with her group to Portugal, Malta and Tenerife. And she never lost her humour or humility. On one occasion, while dining on Byres Road with ten of her young athletes, a waitress asked her what her secret was—how she came to be surrounded by so many admirers.

Over 36 years, Sheila unearthed many diamonds and helped polish them into champions. But her real legacy lies in the countless hours spent at the trackside, stopwatch in hand, through sun, wind and rain—nurturing not only better athletes, but better people. If those she coached go on to give even a fraction of what she gave to our community, we’ll be in good hands.

Even after retiring from athletics, Sheila remained deeply committed to service. She was a church elder at Baldernock Parish Church since 1968, an active member of the Women’s Guild Committee, and a long-time volunteer with Riding for the Disabled.

Our heartfelt sympathies go to Brian, their children, and grandchildren. Sheila’s loss will be deeply felt, but her legacy will live on in the lives she touched—on and off the track.

The funeral will take place on Monday the 28th of April.

A private cremation for close family will be held earlier in the day, followed by a thanksgiving service at Baldernock Parish Church, Craigmaddie Road, Baldernock, G62 6HA, at 2:30pm.

After the service, all are warmly invited to join the family for refreshments at Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, G61 3NN.