History News

DEAFLYMPICS CALL UP FOR POPPY!

by |Published

We had some fantastic news recently for our very own Poppy Bowie, who has been selected to represent Team GB in the Marathon, at the Deaflympics in Tokyo in November this year!

The Deaflympics will take place between 15th – 26th November 2025, its 100th anniversary. It is the second oldest multi-sport and cultural festival in the world, celebrating deaf athletes.

Since the games began in 1924, only three British women have competed in the marathon, so Poppy will be the fourth; the first from Scotland; and the only GB marathoner in the 2025 games!

Running is a huge part of Poppy’s life, and being selected for this event is an amazing achievement, breaking new ground for deaf athletes from Scotland.

Poppy explained “In 2019, I started doing parkruns with my first parkrun taking 29 minutes. I couldn’t run 5k without stopping, but over time my 5k performance steadily improved as I built healthier habits and rediscovered my love of running.

In 2023, I joined Bellahouston Road Runners, which helped me take things to the next level. I took ten minutes off my 5k time and began racing longer distances. I fell in love with long-distance running and started exploring trails in the Scottish countryside, including some Munros. Long runs became the highlight of my week, and I’m grateful to have the stamina to enjoy them.
I ran my first marathon at Strathearn in June 2024, placing 7th female. A year later, I finished 2nd female at the Windermere Marathon. That result secured my qualification for the Tokyo Deaflympics.
I find women, especially mothers, who take on ultra trail challenges deeply inspiring. Stephanie Case, who breastfed her six-month-old at feed stations during an ultra, really stands out. She displays endurance, strength, and consistency in the best way possible. I hope to be like her one day!“

Unlike the Olympics / Paralympics, Deaflympics athletes receive no funding and need to raise money to train, travel and compete. Poppy has begun a ‘Go Fund Me’ page which can be found at https://gofund.me/79d4daef

Poppy was until recently a primary school teacher in the southside of Glasgow, but had planned a career break this year to visit Australia. Congratulations Poppy, we are delighted and proud of you! Have a good training journey and good luck in Tokyo!

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