Commonwealth Games star turns attentions to studies for now

After a year of highlights, record breaker is looking to the future

Duncan Scott is ready to submerge himself in his degree to help propel him to Olympic success.

The 21-year-old Stirling University swimmer won a Scottish record-setting six medals at April’s Commonwealth Games – plus four more, including three golds, at August’s European Championships in his hometown of Glasgow.

Scott was a full-time business and sport studies student when he made his Olympic debut at Rio 2016, claiming two relay silvers and reaching the 100 metres freestyle final.

And now he is ready to step up his studying and complete his degree, which he is now doing part-time, all while bidding for multiple Olympic success at Tokyo 2020.

“Olympic year is quite a big one and the dissertation’s got to come at some point,” Scott told Press Association Sport.

“I enjoy uni, because it takes my mind off swimming. The second I enter the gym or the pool that’s it, I’m focused, I’m ready to go.

“When I get out I start stressing with uni.”

Scott has enjoyed a stellar 2018, with being named the inaugural athlete of the year at the National Lottery Awards and his 100m freestyle win on the Gold Coast ahead of home favourite and Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers among the highlights.

But his personal favourite was winning European 200m freestyle gold at Tollcross in Glasgow.

He added: “Once every four years you get to represent Scotland and that’s so different to representing Britain. “You get a different feeling. “Going to Gold Coast and racing the Aussies on their home turf was incredible.

“But in the same year to then compete in front of a home crowd, that was really special.”

Scott was thrilled to be honoured by the National Lottery for his performances this year, but his focus now turns to the future.

“I’m delighted with the award. I’m incredibly grateful for all those who went out and voted,” he said.

“I’m delighted with the last year. “But we’re always looking for continual improvement.

“I think I can carry confidence over, but each year you’re starting from scratch.” The National Lottery Awards 2018 will be broadcast today at 10.45pm on BBC1. To find out more visit www. lotterygoodcauses.org.uk

Duncan Scott says competing in his hometown of Glasgow has been his 2018 highlight