New record sees Scott all but punch ticket to Rio
THE pool at the University of Stirling is no place for wasteful shirkers — as Duncan Scott confirmed last night. The 18-year-old’s three victories at last summer’s European Games in Baku marked him out as one to follow and, in winning the 100metre freestyle at the Olympic trials in Glasgow in a Scottish record of 48.66 seconds, he moved to the brink of sealing his place in Rio. Afterwards, Scott revealed that he has been pushed all the way in training by his fellow Scots. ‘I’ve got the likes of Robbie Renwick to train with every day which is awesome,’ he admitted. ‘I get to look across the pool and see Ross Murdoch and Craig Benson race it out. It’s an amazing place to be.’ Ben Proud, who was beaten into second, could yet be chosen ahead of Scott, although the teen from Alloa insists he would have no complaints, saying: ‘In Australia, I would have come about eighth or ninth at the trials, so Britain still has a way to go in the 100 freestyle. I’d like to move up that.’ Dan Wallace’s audition in the 400m individual medley was fluffed as he trailed in third behind Max Litchfield, who was the lone swimmer on the third day of the meeting to land the qualifying standard. Since graduating from the University of Florida last summer, the 23-year-old has remained Stateside rather than return to Edinburgh. Short of race practice, he sunk in the same waters where he surged to Commonwealth gold two years ago and may now be competing only for a relay berth at the Olympics unless a wild card comes his way. ‘Over the last two to three years, I’ve shown I can make finals at big meets,’ claimed Wallace. ‘So, hopefully, I can keep on improving and prove I can get to Rio.’ Jaz Carlin landed the 800m freestyle crown from Glasgow’s Camilla Hattersley, while Fran Halsall won the 50m freestyle with Aberdeen’s Rachel Mason third. Murdoch will bid to secure an Olympic double in today’s 200m breaststroke by seeing off rival Adam Peaty and London 2012 silver medallist Michael Jamieson.