FIRST Minister John Swinney has hailed the “amazing achievements” of Scottish athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, saying they had “done themselves and their country proud”.
Speaking ahead of the Games’ closing ceremony on Sunday, Swinney said the Scottish members of Team GB had been “outstanding” as athletes and ambassadors for their sports, and that they were an inspiration to young people.
He gave a special mention to swimmer Duncan Scott (below), whose two medals at this year’s Games saw him become Scotland’s most decorated Olympian.
He also said the games would be remembered for being “the final curtain” on the career of tennis star Andy Murray.
Swinney said: “Competing on the world stage amongst some of the best sporting talent on the planet is a tremendous honour, and I know the whole nation is with me in congratulating our Scottish athletes who have made an enormous contribution to Team GB’s success at these Games.
“These athletes have all been outstanding in their performances and as ambassadors for their sport, and will inspire many young people to become more active in their lives.
READ MORE: Some key takeaways for Scotland from Olympics
“These games have seen amazing achievements, including Duncan Scott becoming Scotland’s most decorated Olympian, and will be remembered for being the final curtain on the remarkable career of Scotland’s greatest ever sportsman, Andy Murray.
“All of our athletes have excelled themselves and done themselves and their country proud.
“I hope they are able to celebrate with their friends, family and the public in the coming days.”
Scottish athletes competing either individually or in team events secured 13 medals out of a Team GB total of 65, including three gold medals, four silver and six bronze.
Several Scots also broke records in their events, with new British records set by Josh Kerr in the 1500m and Jack Carlin in the cycling team sprint, while Keanna MacInnes set a new Scottish record in the 100m butterfly.
Almost two thirds of the Scottish athletes selected for Team GB were female, including long-distance runner Eilish McColgan (above, left), who became the first Scottish four-time track and field Olympian.
Forbes Dunlop, chief executive of national sport agency sportscotland, said Scottish athletes had “once again delivered on the biggest stage”.
“There have been consistently strong performances from Scottish athletes at the highest level for a number of years now across a range of sports, demonstrating that Scotland’s approach to developing a pathway to performance sport is paying off.
“That success is down to years of hard work and commitment from the athletes, their coaches and their wider support teams including Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport and the sportscotland institute of sport.
“Ensuring Scotland’s athletes are ready to compete with the best is a real team effort and we are proud to play our part in that.”
Gold medals in either individual or team events were won by Duncan Scott (swimming), Scott Brash (equestrian) and Sholto Carnegie (rowing).
Silver medals in individual or team events were won by Duncan Scott (swimming), Jack Carlin (cycling), Josh Kerr (running) and Neah Evans (cycling).
Meanwhile bronze medals were secured by Beth Potter (triathlon), Rowan McKellar (rowing), Nicole Yeargin (swimming, two) and Jack Carlin (cycling).
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here