The bulk of Duncan Scott’s impressive array of international medals to date may have come in the relay disciplines but the swimmer is determined to demonstrate his individual credentials across the board at this summer’s World Championships.
Despite being just 20 years of age, Scott (University of Stirling) can already lay claim to 12 major international medals at Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth level.
All bar two – 100m and 200m Freestyle golds at the 2015 European Games – have been won as part of a relay team including the momentous 4x200m Freestyle and 4x100m Medley Relay silver medals at last summer’s Rio Olympic Games.
Scott also served notice of his intent in the individual disciplines in Brazil when he became the first British man to reach the final of the men’s 100m Freestyle since Bobby McGregor in 1968, eventually finishing fifth.
That form has been carried over into this year too as he set a new British record on the way to 100m Freestyle gold at the British Championships – one of five individual medals won in Sheffield.
And with the 2017 World Swimming Championships in Budapest fast approaching (23-30 July), Scott is feeling confident.
“The World Championships have been a good competition to focus on and channel my efforts,” said the swimmer, who won gold in the 4x200m Freestyle relay on his World Championship debut two years ago.“I swam really well at the British Championships and I was pleased with the times considering what stage of the season it was."
- Duncan Scott
“I would like to move that forward now though and put in a good showing in the individual events in Budapest as well the relays. Looking at the age of the members in the team, we are looking strong across these events for years to come. The whole British team is in a great place at the minute and it’s great to be a part of that, there’s a really positive atmosphere.”
Scott remains grounded and focused on the task ahead of him and his team mates this summer despite such an international medal haul at such an early age.
“I don’t tend to think about my Olympic medals too much, they are obviously a great achievement and something I am proud of but I don’t feel pressure because of them. My job is to look forward at the next challenge and I’m excited about Budapest.
“I’m looking to see how all of the work my coach and I have undertaken is paying off. It will be interesting to see where this puts me in my individual events.”
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