Olympic Champions Duncan Scott & Kathleen Dawson Relishing Rare Once-Every-Four-Year Roar For Scotland
Duncan Scott and Kathleen Dawson, both Olympic champions for Britain at Tokyo 202One, have been confirmed as the first two swimmers to be selected to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this August.
Scott, silver medallist in the 200m freestyle, the 200m medley and men’s 4x100m medley and gold medallist in the 4x200m freestyle in Tokyo, became Team GB’s most-decorated Olympian ever at a single Games in Japan last August.
Dawson, who celebrated the European 100m backstroke title on the way to Tokyo, was part of Britain’s world-record-breaking mixed 4x100m Medley relay.
Both Scott and Dawson, coached at the University of Stirling by Steve Tigg and Bradley Hay, will compete in their third Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Scott, who claimed a thumping six medals at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2018, said: “I am delighted to be selected for a third Commonwealth Games.
“We don’t get the chance to compete under the Scotland banner too often, and being part of the wider group at the last couple of Games has been great. It’s such a close-knit team and everyone knows each other – a lot of us have enjoyed success together in the past and shared those experiences.
“I’ve been really pleased with how this year has gone, and hopefully it will be another big one in 2022.”
Duncan Scott – image courtesy of Georgia Kerr, for British Swimming
Dawson noted the journey she’s travelled in Commonwealth waters as a reflection of the progress she’s made: “It’s an honour to be part of Team Scotland again. I was very young going into Glasgow in 2014, and even the Gold Coast feels a long time ago now.
“I’ve had injuries to overcome since then and obviously Covid disrupted everyone, but I’m stronger now than ever and looking forward to the Games next year. The summer was incredible, more than I could have hoped for, but with the Commonwealths following straight after it’s a chance to build on that success in Birmingham.”
Kathleen Dawson, image courtesy of Georgie Kerr, for British Swimming
Selection for para-swimmers and the remaining swimmers to compete for England, Scotland and Wales will be announced closer to the Games in the summer.