Team Scotland’s ambitions in the pool are off to a flying start with Olympic gold medallists Duncan Scott and Kathleen Dawson named today as the first swimmers selected for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The pair had their preselection confirmed by Commonwealth Games Scotland and Scottish Swimming following their performances in Tokyo and both return to Team Scotland for a third Games, having made their debut as teenagers at Glasgow 2014.

At Gold Coast 2018 Duncan Scott hit the headlines, becoming the first Scottish swimmer ever to win the Men’s 100m Freestyle title and breaking the record for the most medals won by a Scot at a single Commonwealth Games, stepping onto the podium an incredible six times.

Having achieved a similar feat at the Tokyo Olympic Games, his gold and three silver medals a record for a British athlete at a single Olympics, he returns to Team Scotland hungry for more success. Duncan 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.”

Fellow University of Stirling swimmer Kathleen Dawson also struck gold in Tokyo, swimming the opening Backstroke leg for the world record breaking Team GB quartet in the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay.

The first Scottish woman under the one-minute mark for the 100m Backstroke and European Champion in the event, she will have her sights set on a podium place in Birmingham after recording fourth, fifth and sixth place finishes at Glasgow and Gold Coast.

“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.”

Alan Lynn, National Coach, said: “Securing athletes of this caliber to the Aquatics team for next summer is the first stage of ensuring that we have the strongest possible group of swimmers and divers in Birmingham.

“I’m delighted to welcome them to spearhead our efforts.”

Elinor Middlemiss, Chef de Mission for Team Scotland, said: “Duncan and Kathleen are the latest additions to an already strong group.

“Duncan’s successes both with Team Scotland and Team GB over the last four years have been well documented – he’s been operating at a consistently high level for so long now.

“Kathleen continues to go from strength to strength too – she’s had a great 2021 and will hopefully keep progressing into next year.

“20 top-class athletes are now confirmed for Team Scotland, featuring Commonwealth, Olympic and World champions, and we look forward to welcoming more athletes onto the team in the build-up to Birmingham 2022.”