Former British 1500m indoor and outdoor champion Sarah McDonald is back. Following a challenging period of injuries in 2021, the determined 29- year-old has returned to the track stronger than ever, achieving her fastest 1500m time in four years this past July.
Kicking off her partnership with On, McDonald was on start at the Citius Meet in Bern where she ran a 2:37,46 in the 1000m event.
McDonald has been no stranger to fast times and excellent results in the past. She ran a 1500 m personal best of 4:00.46 in 2019 and represented her country on the world stage in the 2017 and 2019. She claimed the British indoor 1500m title in 2017 and the outdoor title in 2019.
But for the multitalented McDonald, the track was never the limit. At the European Cross Country Championships in 2017, she won team gold in the inaugural mixed relay, where she ran the fastest leg of the day.
In 2019, she again claimed gold at the European Cross-Country Championships in the mixed relay. In addition to her running career, she pursued a degree in medicine at Birmingham University starting in 2011 and has future plans to transition to dentistry.
“Before running, I was a figure skater. I didn’t take up running until I was 16 and wanted to get my fitness back following hip surgery. I soon learned I preferred running and started pursuing track and field rather than returning to the ice.
I started in athletics trying to be a heptathlete, however soon found out I couldn’t throw, jump or hurdle”, McDonald laughed.
“I love that On has athletes at the heart of what they do and are truly innovative in their design and products. It’s exciting to be part of such a fast-growing brand that is doing great things in track and field right now.
As I am on a big comeback from some terrible injuries, I’ve got some big goals on the track for the next few years and am so happy to do that with the backing of On”, she continued.
Looking ahead, McDonald envisions returning to the biggest stages of athletics while remaining committed to improving her results.
“We were super impressed by how Sarah returned to a world-class level this season after multiple injury setbacks in recent years, a testament to her character and perseverance.
We think her most remarkable achievements are yet to come and are excited to support her on her way to the next highlights”, On Athlete Manager Niklas Bühner said.