DUNCAN SCOTT said the significance of his Olympic Games performance had not "properly settled in" after he made history in Tokyo.

Scott's silver medal in the men's 4x100m medley relay means he is now the most decorated British Olympian at a single Games.

The Alloa man will return home with one gold medal and three silvers to add to his two silver medals from the 2016 Olympics.

Scott will fly home, catch his breath, and attempt to take in the magnitude of his labour. His place in the pantheon is secure.

"It's probably not properly settled in," he admitted. "Each race I've tried to park when it's done and look forward to the next one.

"It was important I didn't bring in any disappointment or get too excited about what's happened."

Despite creating history individually, Scott underlined winning well in the water is a team game.

"I've been part of the 4x200, winning that and then being part of this and a silver medal," he continued. "I think the relay culture in Britain is great.

"There are great medal opportunities. I think we have done that really well at these Games."

Adam Peaty, who won the silver medal with Scott, Luke Greenbank and James Guy, says the man from the Wee County is "very inspiring".

"I don't think he understands," said Peaty, whose breaststroke split of 56.53 secs was inside his world record and the quickest ever in a medley relay. "He's just an incredible athlete.

"For me, standing here, it's easy to say. But I hope he gets the respect and recognition he deserves back home.

"I hope all these guys and the British swimming team, the best in history, gets the recognition it deserves.

"We're third in the medal table in swimming alone in the Olympics. No-one thought we could be there after London.

"Having Duncan there is very inspiring. Everyone's got to be on their toes."

Scott's parents also spoke of their delight after watching their son become part of Olympics history.

Nigel Scott and Joy Macnaughton told BBC's Good Morning Scotland: "Duncan always gives us a good show, we're delighted for him."

His dad said there had been "nail-biting and jumping up and down in front of the TV", adding "there will definitely be celebrations" on the swimmer's return.

Scott's mum Joy said when her son had competed previously, in places like Singapore and in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, they have watched from home because it is "hugely expensive" and parents are only guaranteed one ticket.

"But we would have been in Tokyo because it was my 60th last year so it would have been a double-whammy," she added.

Nigel said they have not had much contact with his son, who likes to shut himself off during competitions.

He continued: "It's quite normal for Duncan, we've got used to that over the years – when he goes to competition he silences, he doesn't pay attention to social media, doesn't communicate with the outside world at all."

Steve Tigg, head performance swim coach at the University of Stirling, is in Tokyo with Team GB and says Scott's success has been years in the making.

Reflecting on Scott's record-breaking four medals, Tigg said: "Duncan has always been special – his success hasn't been the result of just a few years work.

"All of life's experiences – good or bad – prepare us to face our biggest challenges.

"Having been part of Duncan's journey for 16 years, this meet was always a key goal on the journey.

"His level of preparation and commitment to try and achieve his goals was nothing short of inspiring.

"Although perhaps not all of the dreams were fulfilled, it's fitting that his ambition, desire and relentless competitive nature has won him the accolade of Team GB's most decorated athlete at an Olympics.

"Duncan is one of Scotland's all-time best athletes across all sports – and he won't stop here with two or three more Olympics left in him.

"I hope he enjoys all the praise and adulation he duly deserves."

Cathy Gallagher, executive director of sport at the University of Stirling, praised Scott for his "well-deserved" achievement.

She added: "Duncan has also cemented a place in history by becoming the first British athlete to win four medals at a single Olympic Games – an outstanding, admirable and well-deserved achievement that is testament to his talent, hard work and commitment to his sport."