Tribute to David Lang

Photo of David Lang outside, wearing his blue giffnock north coaching jacket on a sunny day

The club are heartbroken at the tragic death on the 21st January of our coach David Lang.

David’s interest in athletics began in his early teens when he joined Shettleston Harriers. He went on to win many honours with the East End club, and then with Cambuslang Harriers. David additionally gained selection for Scotland.

David was always keen to encourage and organise get togethers with Shettleston Harriers athletes from yesteryear. The most recent was a dinner to welcome back, Norman Morrison, home for a visit from New Zealand.

A committed cyclist, he went on to compete successfully in numerous events as an accomplished road and velodrome cyclist.

When his granddaughter came to join Giffnock North, David regained his enthusiasm for athletics.  He helped coach our U11 squads for a considerable time. He regained his coaching qualification and coached with young athletes for several years.

His interest and background in middle distance & endurance athletics led to him then coaching older athletes notably Ross Good.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Eileen, his wife and all his family.

His death will touch many of us in the Club & the athletics community but also in the local cycling community where he played a significant role.

Ross Good has made a heartfelt tribute:

“David was a great man that I looked up to. I only started running roughly 3 or 4 years ago. When I first came up to the track at Giffnock, David took me under his wing straight away. My progress over the past two years is testament to David’s time and effort he invested into my training. Generally, all he wanted was to help athletes that he saw potential in.

Not only was David a coach, he was also a friend. We enjoyed regular coffee catch-ups and David was invited to our wedding. He provided me with guidance and support, not only in my running career but in my personal life too. I really appreciated David in my life, and he will be sorely missed.”

And from Mark Sutherland: 

“I had the privilege of coaching alongside David and getting to know him outside of athletics, as we shared bike rides and cafe visits. He even took me through my paces at the velodrome.

Age was never a barrier to David who was as fit and strong as many of the youngsters he coached. Keeping up with him was a struggle!

David was a remarkable man whose quiet strength and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Though not the most outgoing, his thoughtful presence and deep understanding made him a trusted confidant and a source of comfort to those around him. He was always on hand to help and support anyone in need. 

David’s sudden passing has left a profound void for all who knew him. He will be cherished forever by those fortunate enough to have known him.”