By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer.
Although Ben Sandilands’ journey to Paralympic glory has not always been straightforward, it has been a journey that has been incredibly rewarding for Ben and those close to him.
No moment has been more rewarding than the 6th September 2024 – day nine of the Paris Paralympics – when Ben wrote his name in the Paralympics’ history books.
Ben’s preparation and feel for the race was the same as it always is. “I was obviously nervous but it’s good to be nervous before a race,” the 22-year-old said.
“My goal was to win the race, that was the ultimate goal.”
By the end of the race, Ben had completed exactly that; he crossed the finish line of the men’s 1500m T20 race in a time that was not only good enough to crown Ben Paralympic champion, but also a world record holder. Ben’s mum Claire, who was there, remarked: “It was incredible that he was able to do that, I still find it inspirational.”
Someone else who has been by Ben’s side throughout this journey has been Steve Doig, his long-term coach at Fife Athletics Club. Steve reacted to the overall experience saying: “Paris itself was incredible because of the amazing last lap finish to beat the world record holder, Michael Brannigan, and to set a new world record in the process was just unbelievable.”
However, Steve was quick to think back to where it all started: “Definitely not something we thought about in 2013 as my group of 9-year-olds warmed up in a dank gym hall at Balwearie High School before heading out to run on the wet grass of the dimly lit football pitch.”
Ben has always loved running, even noncompetitively. “He has always been really into his sport, if he ever had anything going on, sport always helped him to relax,” Claire explained.
Ben went on to explain this, reflecting: “Sport just makes me feel like I have accomplished something with my day.”
Although, it was when taking part in a community race, that Ben took his first steps towards the Paralympian that he now is. “When I was nine, I did the boxing day run and I got scouted,” he said.
This was part of a local ritual where on every boxing day children from the community would race to win the ‘Sandilands Trophy’ – a trophy that was named after Ben’s grandfather. Claire who was watching on from the sides remembers this day extremely fondly.
“Ben was running in the boxing day run, and he flabbergasted everyone when he crossed the finish line quite fast. A member of Fife Athletics Club was there and he mentioned to Ben that he should go to Steve Doig’s group,” Claire said.
Even though just nine years old, Ben grasped the opportunity and joined Steve’s group. At this point Ben was training once a week with a group of young ambitious runners.
Soon after joining, Ben found himself taking part in competitive races, and by age 14, he was being awarded his first vest for Scotland (a first vest marks an individual’s debut race for Scotland).
It was at this point that everyone around Ben started to realise his potential. “Ben was one of the youngest in that age group and he was winning. This was when we started thinking, ‘actually this is incredible’.” Claire explained.
Ben put this constant development in the sport down to: “When I run, all I want to do is my personal best.”
Over the last 13 years, Ben’s training has slowly increased to the point where he is now running six days a week.
It was at age 19, when Steve remembered a further line being marked in the sand, as Ben competed at a national level. “Another great achievement was when Ben won the 2022 Scottish Senior 1500m title in Aberdeen.” Steve said before adding: “It’s a huge honor for any athlete to win a Scottish Championship but I think it’s incredible that a 19-year-old, not yet classified Para athlete, should win such a major event.”
Although the formal process to get Ben classified started in 2022, wheels were put in motion the year before. “I guess the real push to explore eligibility for the Paralympics came when Ben’s training partner, Owen Miller, won the T20 Paralympic title in Tokyo in 2021,” Steve said.
The following year after Ben was classified (T20), he had a memorable day in Paris. “We were there in Paris the year before (the Paris Paralympics), for Ben’s debut in the World Championships when Ben won gold.” Claire said.
Following an amazing 2024 at the Paris Paralympics, Ben has continued his rich vein of form. With victories at the London Athletics Diamond League Meet and at Longford Stadium, Trafford, where he won gold in both races, setting a new 1500mT20 world record in the process.
Although a successful 2025 has secured his spot at the top of the World Rankings, it has been a longtime in the making. “I am really grateful for all of the people who have helped him throughout all of the years,” Claire said.
Something that both Ben and his mum found particularly touching throughout their journey as a family was the support that everyone provided.
Claire remarked, “Steve Doig – he is a fantastic coach. He was coming to me with things for Ben, coping strategies, long before his diagnosis.”
Steve was quick to talk about the role that a team plays: “I think it’s appropriate to highlight the work of others within the group.
“In two successive Paralympic Games, our small inclusive training group has produced two separate gold medalists in the 1500m T20 Without the support of numerous athletes, parents and coaching helpers, neither of these fantastic achievements would have happened.”
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