An Olympic double silver medallist took a trip down memory lane by returning to his former school in Perthshire.
Swimmer Duncan Scott shared his experiences of competing in Rio de Janeiro this summer with pupils at Strathallan School.
The 19-year-old, who left the Perthshire school in June last year, won silver medals for Team GB in the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle swimming events in August. His recent visit to Strathallan reunited Duncan with his school swimming coach, Elaine Johnston, who coached him throughout his years at the independent school, as well as the various teachers who supported him in his formative years.
Duncan, who was brought up in Alloa, began his visit to the school by taking part in a ‘Q&A’ session with younger pupils, who asked him an array of questions about his experiences in Brazil. And the day trip included a visit to his old dorm room and a session in the pool with Strathallan’s current swim team.
He said: “Strathallan was always so supportive of me throughout the seven years I was here and it means a lot being able to give something back by returning and helping to motivate and inspire the next generation.
“I was just like the pupils here not so long ago and have many happy memories of my time here.
“Seeing so many of the teachers has been really nice too. They were brilliant while I was here, helping me to balance my school work and going to competitions — nothing was ever impossible here.”
And Ms Johnston added: “Duncan was just 11 when he first arrived here and, from the minute he stepped into the pool, I knew he’d go far. It has been wonderful to see him perform so well on the greatest stage of all — and he’s still only 19-years-old, so his career is only just beginning.
“It has been fantastic for the pupils to see Duncan again and hear about his Olympic experiences.”
Audrey Sime, director of sport at Strathallan believes that Duncan’s success will inspire many pupils with dreams of sporting success.
She commented: “To have somebody come back to Strathallan with two Olympic silver medals just 18 months after leaving school is so inspiring for the pupils. A lot of them know Duncan and know how committed he is to swimming, so the new generation of sports people coming through the school know what can be achieved with hard work and belief.
“When pupils come to Strathallan we see which sports they’re good at and enjoy, then we try to find a pathway for them to develop in whatever sport it is. When Duncan came into the school he entered our talented athlete programme.
“He wasn’t a sports scholar, but we looked to develop him from a swimming perspective. We also focused on his fitness and nutrition as well, so he learned exactly what it takes to be a top sports person.
“We could not be more proud of what he has achieved.”
