DUNCAN SCOTT became Scotland’s most decorated athlete at the Commonwealth Games this week as he won his 11th medal.

The Alloa swimmer took bronze behind rival Tom Dean to equal the Scottish medal record of 10 on Monday, August 1.

He then finished third with Scotland's men's 4x200m relay team to earn his spot at the top.

Over the weekend the swimmer also defeated his UK rival Dean as he picked up gold in the men’s 200m freestyle final, a reverse of the Tokyo Olympics results from last year.

He also picked up a bronze in the 400m individual medley, meaning his four medals from this Commonwealth Games takes his tally to 11.

With the 4x100m medley relay and the 200m individual medley still awaiting the swimmer, Scott could stretch his lead at the top of the Scotland medal chart even further before the Games finish on Monday, August 8.

A year ago, it was Dean who stunned his more experienced teammate as the pair claimed Olympic gold and silver in the 200m freestyle. 

For much of that race, it looked as though Wee County ace Scott would come through, but he was pipped to the post on the biggest stage of all. 

However, in Birmingham over the weekend it was the Team Scotland swimmer who claimed home nations bragging rights, and relatively comfortably with a commanding swim. 

The fact that he had not yet swum internationally this year because of a Covid-enforced absence had made him something of a man of mystery coming into the event, having missed the World Championships where Dean won bronze. 

But Scott quickly allayed any fears over his form, racing to victory in 1:45.02, nearly four tenths quicker than his rival and close friend. 

He said: “An international final, the times go out of the window and it’s just about racing.

“It was a good battle, hopefully we can rekindle our relationship for British swimming teams. 

“We’ve been fine, chatting as normal and plenty of jokes, I had lunch with him the other day. We get on well and it was just another race. Instead of him wearing a Bath hat and me a Stirling one, it’s different colours on. 

“I’ve come in a bit of an unknown, I like to race quite a lot and this year didn’t present that opportunity, I was gutted to miss Worlds, I love being on those teams. But I’m happy to be here and be able to do what I can.” 

No sooner had Scott triumphed in the most anticipated race of the entire meet, he was back in action in the final of the 400m individual medley. 

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