Youngsters dive into race against swimming champion

SCOTLAND’s swim hero made a splash in North Lanarkshire this Saturday.

During his visit to celebrate the success of the Learn to Swim programme, Duncan Scott, 21, raced youngsters at Tryst Sports Centre in Cumbernauld in a knockout competition.

Ready to be the next big names in Scotland, the race saw club swimmers Michael Flynn, 15, and Euan Macdonald, 16, beat Duncan in the race.

Michael, a pupil from Cumbernauld High School, said: “It was pretty cool being able to race such a big athlete. The kids today were all super excited to meet them – he’s a role model. Euan, who studies at Our Lady’s High School, said: “Who knows, if we keep training hard, we might be able to beat him one day!”

Duncan, who takes on the role of Learn to Swim Ambassador, also shared his top tips and tricks with the local children in a Q&A session.

Scottish Swimming’s National Learn to Swim Framework is supported by Scottish Water and delivered by Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers across Scotland. The initiative is already helping 5,500 kids in the region to learn to swim.

Duncan said: “Euan and Michael sure were impressive swimmers. And there were some other close contenders! It’s great to see how much the kids in North Lanarkshire love the sport.”

Duncan won six medals at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia last year – the most won ever by a Scottish athlete at a single Games. His other achievements include becoming Scotland’s Sportsperson of the Year and Swimming Athlete of the Year for 2018.

Emma Walker, Managing Director at North Lanarkshire Leisure, said: “Everyone had such a fantastic time meeting Duncan and showcasing what these swimming lessons have to offer – the launch has definitely instilled a newfound love for the sport.”

Forbes Dunlop, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “Swimming is so much more than just a sport – it’s a key life skill. That’s why we’re aiming to reach over 100,000 children across Scotland with this framework by 2020.”

A recent study of the impact of the Learn to Swim Framework found it had overwhelming approval from the parents across the country.

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs for Scottish Water, said: “We’re surrounded by so much water in Scotland that it’s essential to learn to swim from a young age.

“We’re proud to support this programme as we aim to build a confident and safe generation of swimmers.”

The Learn to Swim Framework helps to create quality Learn to Swim environments for children from birth upwards where they can become competent, confident and safe swimmers with opportunities to progress through the aquatic pathway and to swim for fun.

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