Tom McKean

Thomas McKean (born 27 October 1963) is a Scottish former middle-distance runner representing Great Britain and Scotland internationally. He was European champion over the 800 metres in 1990, and a world and European (1990) indoor champion over the 800 metres, one of the few athletes to be both indoor and outdoor European champion in the event simultaneously. He won the IAAF World Cup 800 metres in 1989.

Outdoors, McKean reached the lower steps of podiums at both European and Commonwealth Games level.

Racing during the brief era when two championships for British athletes were held annually, McKean won three British titles; he was twice the 800 metre champion at the AAA Championships, recognised as the premier British athletics championships of the time despite allowing guest runners, while he also won the 800 metres title once at the alternative UK Athletics Championships event for British athletes only.

Athletics career McKean, who was born in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, was the winner of the European Championships 800 m gold medal at Split in 1990. McKean also won the 1990 European Indoor Championships final, and the World Cup 800 m race in 1989. In addition, he came first in all European Cup races from 1985 to 1991. He set his personal best in London in 1989 at 1:43.88 min.

McKean represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games where he won silver medals in 1986 in the 800 metres event and in 1990 in the 4 × 400 m Relay event.

McKean was a three-times British 800 metres champion after winning the British AAA Championships title at the 1991 AAA Championships, the 1985 UK Athletics Championships and by virtue of being the highest placed British athlete at the 1990 AAA Championships.

After athletics Unlike some of his contemporaries, McKean did not continue a high-profile role in athletics after his retirement from competition. McKean was a Strathclyde Police officer until retiring in 2022.