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Olympian Duncan Scott returns to Strathallan School after Rio success

Posted by Hannah Oakman | November 10, 2016 | Sports & Leisure

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Scottish swimmer and Olympic double silver medallist Duncan Scott has taken a trip down memory lane by returning to his former school, Strathallan, to share with pupils his experiences of competing in Rio de Janeiro this summer.

Duncan, 19, who left Strathallan in June 2015, won silver medals for Team GB in the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle swimming events in August. His recent visit to Strathallan reunited Duncan with his school swimming coach, Elaine Johnston, who coached him throughout his years at the school, as well as the various teachers who supported him in his formative years.

Duncan kicked-off his visit by attending a Q&A session at Riley, Strathallan’s junior house, with younger pupils asking him an array of questions about his experiences in Rio. Questions ranged from finding out about his experiences in the Olympic Village to who his favourite teacher was when he was at Riley.

The day was followed with a visit to his old dorm room as a border in Riley, a mixture of Q&A sessions with various pupils throughout the school, lunch, a visit to his former school house, Simpson House, and a session in the pool with Strathallan’s current swim team, alongside Elaine.

Duncan had a lot of fun during his visit and especially enjoyed being able to inspire pupils with his Olympic experiences. 

“Strathallan was always so supportive of me throughout the seven years I was here and it means a lot being able to give something back by returning and helping to motivate and inspire the next generation. I was just like the pupils here not so long ago and have many happy memories of my time here.”

Audrey Sime, Director of Sport at Strathallan, believes that Duncan’s achievements will inspire many pupils with dreams of sporting success. Audrey commented: “To have somebody come back to Strathallan with two Olympic silver medals just 18 months after leaving school is so inspiring for the pupils. 

“When pupils come to Strathallan we see which sports they’re good at and enjoy, then we try to find a pathway for them to develop in whatever sport it is.”