Scott’s podium demo at cheating is proof he is gong material again
Sco t l a n d ’ s Spor t s Personality of the Year Duncan Scott lived up to his billing with a thrilling 2019.
But he won as many admirers for his actions out of the pool as he did for his performances in it.
The Stirling University- based 22-year-old took the honours at last year’s Scottish Sports Awards, in association with national agency for sport,
It was the icing on the cake after his spectacular six-medal show at the Commonwealth Games.
Scott was back among the gongs at the World Championships in South Korea two months ago with gold and bronze.
However, his refusal to take the podium alongside drug- cheat Chinese winner Sun Yang – a protest matched by Aussie icon Mack Horton – reverberated around the sports world.
sportscotland.
His stance and demands for a clean sport won him a new army of fans.
The swimmer will be a slam Dunc for the shortlist again this year when the judges meet next month – but he admits he’ll be happy to be judged for his swimming alone.
He grinned: “It was a lonely place up there at the time, even though people were shouting for me, but I don’t think I realised how much of an impact it would have.
“In some sense it was almost more bother than it was worth but if that’s what it takes to raise awareness, then that’s what it takes.
“I didn’t realise how big it was back at home. I switch off all my social media during an event and I’m not sure I buy the ‘no publicity is bad publicity’ thing.
“But hopefully the backing I got from British swimming and a lot of the other athletes tells its own story.”
In the pool, Scott swam the fastest final leg in history – discounting American Jason Lezak’s 2008 time in a now banned full body swimsuit – as Team GB clawed back and beat the USA to top the 4x100m medley relay podium for the first time at Worlds. Add in his 200m freestyle bronze and he’s guaranteed a place on the shortlist for our 2019 award.
But he confessed: “I set myself high expectations so I wouldn’t use the word thrilled with how I did.
“But I was really happy when I came back from the Worlds.
“Individually there were still things there I didn’t achieve or nail down but it’s my first individual world medal so I can’t complain.
“Now the Olympic trials in April is my focus but there’s a lot between now and then – two altitude camps with the GB team, the European Short Course in Glasgow. There’s plenty to occupy me. But given how competitive British swimming is just now, not one of us can say, ‘I’m preparing for the Olympics’.
“From January on, it’s about being ready for the trials.
“You can’t back off. It’s still the pinnacle of the sport, getting to the Olympics. Everyone wants it.”
Scott will have competition for the top step of OUR podium in December though.
World No.1 1500m runner Laura Muir, Champions League winner Andy Robertson, world champion boxer Josh Taylor and golfer Robert MacIntyre are among those breathing down his neck.
But the best night on the Scottish sporting calendar isn’t just about our superstars. We want the people who keep the heart of Scottish sport beating acknowledged and standing in the spotlight too.
We want our local clubs and community hubs celebrated alongside our national teams, our schools who are championing sport recognised for the pathway to greatness they’re creating.
And you can help us put them on stage.
Our Local Hero and Local Club awards are always the hardestfought of categories, so it ’ s important you give us as much detail as you can about why you think your nomination deserves the vote of our expert panel of judges.
We know there are thousands of people, without whom sport in this country simply doesn’t function, and clubs without whom entire communities would lose their soul.
But only you can tell us how much they mean to you – so get nominating now. The Sunday Mail Scottish Sports Awards recognise excellence throughout Scottish sports.
Now in its 13th year, the 2019 event which is sponsored by the national agency for sport, will highlight our sporting heroes at what promises to be an unforgettable awards ceremony on December 5 at Glasgow’s DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central.
TO NOMINATE
To nominate go to:
sundaymailsportsawards.co.uk
If you’re nominating a local hero or your local club, tell us as much as you can about your nominee and why they deserve an award. Nominations close on Tuesday, October 1.
CATEGORIES
Sponsored by
sportscotland sportscotland,
For the star doing most to put Scotland on the sporting map.
COACH/MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Which of Scotland’s inspirational coaches got the most from their team or protege in the last year?
YOUNG SPORTS PERSONALITY NALITY
Sponsored by QTS Group Ltd Who is the teen shining brightest? Nominees must be 18 or under.
LOCAL HERO AWARD
The beating heart of Scotland’s sports. Which individual is making an invaluable impact to local sport?
LOCAL CLUB OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by
sportscotland
For an outstanding amateur sports club that has made a real contribution to everyday life in the community.
DISABILITY SPORTS AWARD
Who has triumphed over disability to excel in their chosen sport?
SCHOOL SPORT AWARD ARD
Sponsored by Active Scotland For the school that doess themostthemost to develop the young sporting talent of Scotland.
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Which team most impressed you during 2019? This could be your local team who won despite the odds, or a professional team who always inspire.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Our judges choose a hero with a legacy of sporting greatness.
INSPIRATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Who beat the odds this year to thrill and inspire?
EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD
Who or what caught the eye of the Sunday Mail’s top man? An award winner chosen by Sunday Mail Editor Brendan McGinty. To purchase tickets for the awards on December 5 or for sponsorship enquiries, go to sundaymailsportsawards.co.uk or call 0141 309 4909 Awards supported by The Edinburgh Clinic