Duncan Scott first Scottish medallist at Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Last updated 27th Jul 2021
Duncan Scott has become Scotland's first medallist at the Olympics in Tokyo, after an astonishing one-two finish with Team GB teammate Tom Dean in the men's 200 metres freestyle.
Dean stormed to victory, just 0.04secs ahead of Scott.
Scott, a bronze medallist over the distance at the 2019 World Championship, was heavily fancied coming into this showpiece after setting the quickest qualifying time in Monday's semi-finals, with Dean fourth fastest.
But Dean was into his stride almost immediately from lane six and after pipping his GB team-mate, he raised both hands and stared at the screen confirming his win almost in a state of disbelief.
This result marks the first time two British male swimmers have shared an Olympic podium since London 1908.
"Duncan and I are great mates,'' said Dean.
"Duncan's an absolute class act. I've looked up to him for a long time. To share a pool and a podium with him is amazing. Going one-two with another Brit on the podium. What more could you ask for, really?''
Scott said of his GB team-mate: "I'm buzzing for Deano, he's had a really strange 18 months with Covid twice and a monster PB at trials but to see him move it on again and win gold is phenomenal.
"Our best possible outcome is one-two and we delivered on that, and I got a PB in the final as well so I'm really happy, can't complain at all.''
The 24-year-old Glaswegian won two silvers at Rio 2016 and has claimed golds at world, European and Commonwealth level, but he acknowledged this runner-up finish in the Japanese capital was the high point of his singles career.
"It's probably the biggest medal of my individual career, yeah,'' he added. "I've won Commonwealth and European but I wouldn't say that's matched by an Olympic medal, the pinnacle of our sport, so yeah I'm delighted.''
Both Dean and Scott have little time to revel in their achievements as they are expected to compete in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay heats on Tuesday.
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “What an incredible swim from Duncan Scott to take his first individual Olympic medal.
“Duncan has delivered consistently on the world stage and tonight was no exception. He was inspired by Michael Phelps, but at sportscotland, we believe that Duncan is inspiring the next generation.”