For our latest OL Spotlight we're delighted to feature Mark Ritchie (1997), Pathway Lead at Scottish Cycling.

Q1. What does your day-to-day job involve?

"I work as Pathway Lead for Scottish Cycling in Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, from BMX Freestyle to Track Sprint, helping to identify and develop the next generation of talent.

Before switching to tracks and trails with wheels, I spent eight years in performance snowsport, which gave me a deep understanding of athlete development across different sporting environments.

My role now involves working with athletes, coaches and clubs to create learning environments in which individuals can progress and perform at their best, whilst also providing support services to enhance their development.

In fact, if you know a young person aged 12–14 who is powerful, resilient and up for a challenge, with a dream of competing at the Olympics or Commonwealth Games, we are actively looking for athletes. We’re also always on the hunt for future Paralympians, so if you know someone who might have the potential, please get in touch!"

Q2. What would you say is the best aspect of your job?

"Seeing athletes grow - not just in their sport, but as people.

Sport has an incredible way of teaching resilience, discipline and confidence, and watching someone develop these qualities through the right learning environment is what makes the job so rewarding.

The journey is just as important as the destination."

Q3. What do you consider to be your biggest success so far?

"For me, success isn’t just about winning - it’s about creating environments where young people are intrinsically motivated and have the autonomy to pursue their goals. The pursuit of excellence involves embracing tension and stress in the process, rather than avoiding them.

Sport is an incredible way to build transferable skills like leadership, teamwork and problem-solving, and seeing athletes take these challenges on and grow is what I take the most pride in."

Q4. What’s next for you?

"Continuing to push the boundaries of talent identification and athlete development. There’s so much untapped potential out there and I want to ensure we’re creating the best opportunities for young people to discover and reach their full potential.

I’m also excited to see projects like our work in BMX Freestyle and Track Sprint continue to evolve and bring new athletes into the fold."

Q5. What advice would you give to current Lorettonians?

"Prepare yourself for life beyond the walls of the grounds. My time at Loretto was brilliant - I was there for ten years and I still have the same mates. But when I left those walls and my band of brothers and sisters dispersed, I had to learn how to be resilient and tap into the inner confidence that Loretto had instilled. So embrace that confidence, trust in yourself, and be ready to navigate whatever comes next.

Also, understand that putting your head in the books once in a while helps. Although it led to this incredible career, which I love, I possibly enjoyed sport a bit too much!

I’d also recommend maintaining and embracing your Loretto network. I’ve recently had the chance to collaborate on a girls’ cycling project with two old school friends, Rob Sharp (1997) and Simon McKerrell (1997). Rob is now the Director and COO of Scamp & Dude, and Simon is the Head of Media and Journalism at Caledonian University. This was only possible as a result of our continued connection.

And if anyone wants guidance on performance sport or athlete development, I’m here to help - so please do get in touch!"

Future OL Spotlights

To be featured yourself or to nominate someone else, please get in touch at society@loretto.com.