Duncan's road to Rio

Strathallan student Duncan Scott recently won silver for Team GB at the Olympics

Posted by Stephanie Broad | August 17, 2016 | Sports & Leisure

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• #duncan-scott
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Nineteen year-old swimmer Duncan Scott, a former pupil at Strathallan School, recently competed at the Rio Olympics where he won a silver medal for Team GB in 4x200m freestyle and fifth place in the 100m freestyle final. 

Elaine Johnston, who is Strathallan’s swimming coach and a former international swimmer herself, was cheering him on.

“Duncan was just 12 when he first arrived at Strathallan and, from the minute he stepped into the pool, I knew he’d go far,” Elaine remembers. “He had a natural feel for the water and was terrific on all four strokes. Also he was fully committed and was always looking for how he could develop and be better.” 

Joining the Perthshire independent school for his secondary school years proved to be a turning point for Duncan, as Strathallan enabled the teenager to pursue his passion for swimming. Elaine knew Duncan was destined for great things when he competed in the European Youth Olympics in 2013 and, aged just 16, won the gold in the 200m freestyle.

“That was a real turning point for Duncan and for everyone involved in his development,” she continued. “Duncan became one to watch and this led on to him winning a silver medal in the 4x200m freestyle in 2014 at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. This was an incredibly special moment, especially with it being at home and I was delighted to be there to see it. That win reminded me of my experiences at the commonwealth games in 1986 and I knew Duncan would harness that experience to go for Rio.”

www.strathallan.co.uk