Seven swimmers from the University of Stirling will compete for Team GB at this summer’s Olympics – in a landmark achievement for the high-performance swim programme.
The British Olympic Association announced their 33-strong swim team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at a press conference held at the University of Stirling – Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.
Notably, it is the largest contingent of University of Stirling athletes ever to be selected for a single Olympics. The group comprises Olympic champions Duncan Scott and Kathleen Dawson, as well as Lucy Hope, Jack McMillan, Keanna Macinnes, Katie Shanahan and Angharad Evans.
Steve Tigg, Head Performance Swim Coach at the University of Stirling, has also been selected as part of the Team GB coaching team travelling to the Games to support the athletes. He said: “I am incredibly proud of all our athletes who have qualified for the Olympics.
“For the University to have seven swimmers selected for the Team GB Olympics squad is a phenomenal achievement – and it reflects our athletes’ unwavering determination to succeed, their meticulous preparation, and the high-quality sporting environment in which they train every day.
“I am fortunate to be travelling to Paris with the team and I’m excited to witness first hand what this group can achieve, together with their teammates, on the world stage.”
(l-r, front row) Duncan Scott, Katie Shanahan, Lucy Hope, Kathleen Dawson, (l-r, back row) Keanna Macinnes, Angharad Evans
David Bond, Head of Performance Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “A huge congratulations to the seven University of Stirling swimmers selected to compete for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This landmark achievement is yet another example of how our athletes continue to compete at the highest levels in sport – underlining our reputation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.
“We must also acknowledge the fantastic efforts of Steve Tigg, Bradley Hay, Josh Williamson, and Martyn Walton, and the wider support team, who have played a vital role in developing, preparing and supporting our athletes to maximise their talents and realise their potential.
“On behalf of everyone at the University, I wish our swimmers and the wider Team GB squad the best of luck when they travel to Paris later this year.”
All eyes on Paris
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games – running from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August – will be Duncan Scott’s third Olympics. He already has six Olympic medals to his name and both he and Kathleen Dawson will be hoping to build on their success from Tokyo 2021, where they both won gold.
Lucy Hope and Jack McMillan both have Olympics experience, whereas Keanna Macinnes, Katie Shanahan and Angharad Evans will be making their debuts at the competition.
“All eyes now towards Paris,” said Duncan Scott. “Every Olympic Games is vastly different but I think you can draw on past experiences and that, hopefully, should benefit me.”
Kathleen Dawson, who qualified after recovering from a career-threatening injury, said: “It’s very emotional for me. I’ve come through a back injury in the last three years so this is one of the highest points in my life.”
Team GB Chef de Mission Mark England said: “Team GB has a proud tradition in Olympic swimming competitions, and I am delighted to welcome all 33 athletes to the team for Paris 2024. The strength and depth of our pool swimming team was evident to see at the recent Aquatics GB Swimming Championships, and along with the ten swimmers making their debut for Team GB it is fantastic to welcome back seven Olympic Champions and nine Olympic medallists.
“I have no doubt the thrilling races we saw at the British Championships last week will be equally close fought. It is also fantastic to have three athletes contesting the marathon swimming races for the first time since 2008 and we’re excited to watch them all compete against the best in the world.”