With 13 Commonwealth Games medals (three gold, two silver and eight bronze), Duncan Scott holds the title of Scotland’s most decorated Commonwealth athlete in history. 

Making his Commonwealth Games debut at Glasgow 2014, Scott picked up his first Games medal - a 4×200m Freestyle relay silver - in front of an unforgettable home crowd. 

Speaking about the opportunity to compete on home soil once again, Duncan said:  

“Not many athletes get to compete at a home international, so the fact that it is my second go is pretty special. The Commonwealth Games are the only time I get to represent Team Scotland, so having the opportunity to do it in Glasgow is just really exciting.” 

Reflecting on the intense qualification process back in 2014, which left the then-17-year-old Scott waiting nervously to hear whether there was a place for him on the team, he told us, “It really couldn’t be more different this time around, to be honest. Back in 2014, I think I was one of the last people to be named for Team Scotland. Coming out the other end of that process and being selected for the team was really special, particularly with it being my first international.” 

Duncan credits his first experience in Glasgow for igniting his love of international competition, sharing that the chance to compete against the world’s best in front of a home crowd sparked the passion he still carries today.  

 “Getting to race against nations like Australia was just incredible,” he expressed. 

 “Being in a team with athletes I’d looked up to for such a young age was just incredible too. I think when I look back, that’s what I really remember - just how welcoming and supportive the rest of Team Scotland were. 

“Being 17, I don’t think I had a huge amount of belief in myself, but I really felt my teammates’ belief in me – and then being able to put that all together and ultimately win my first Games medal was amazing.” 

Since 2014, Scott has cemented his place in Commonwealth Games history, claiming six medals at Gold Coast 2018 and another six at Birmingham 2022—making him Team Scotland’s most decorated athlete. As he looks ahead to Glasgow 2026, he reflects on what that title means 

 “There are so many legends who have competed for Team Scotland across many different sports, so to stand amongst them is very special. To be the most decorated is obviously pretty cool, and hopefully I can add a few more medals to the collection come Glasgow next year.” 

A multiple medallist in both the 200m Freestyle and 200m Individual Medley, Duncan Scott aims to defend his Birmingham 2022 titles in those events, while also targeting other individual races and contributing to Scotland’s relay success once again.  

“Each Commonwealth Games has marked a significant milestone in my swimming career,” he shared. 

“2014 was my first international, 2018 was my first long course individual medal, and then being able to win the 200m Freestyle and 200m Individual Medley was pretty special. This time around, I’ve got pretty high expectations. 

“I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to look back at Glasgow 2026 as another key moment in my career.”