Dawson leads swimming medal haul at Euros

University of Stirling swimmer, Kathleen Dawson, delivered a performance to remember as she claimed four medals at the LEN European Aquatics Championships in Budapest.

The 23 year-old was in scintillating form, winning silver in the 50m backstroke and gold in the mixed 4x100m medley relay, 100m backstroke and women’s 4x100m medley relay. There were particular plaudits for the latter medals as Dawson had to win the 100m backstroke twice, following a re-swim, and she also went on to break the European record when leading off the women’s 4x100m medley relay quartet.

Commenting on her dramatic win in the 100m backstroke event, Dawson said: “I was ecstatic when I first swam my 58.1, and then I was part way through my swim down when I got told that we'd have to re-swim it.

“I was disappointed in the moment, and I put my hands on my knees - but then Steve straightaway was like, 'come on, you did this last night, you can do it again'.

“Sure enough, I was able to go in and go through the process that I did last night and produce the swim I did.

“To have come from third place five years ago, and then not have even made the final in Glasgow, I couldn't be more proud of myself.”

Dawson’s performances contributed to an impressive medal haul for the British team’s Stirling contingent who brought home a total of eight gold and six silver medals and recorded two European, three British and three Scottish records at the event.

Duncan Scott was in familiar territory on the podium as he won individual silver in the 200m freestyle and relay gold in the men’s 4x100m medley and mixed 4x100m freestyle. The final year Business Studies and Sports Studies student also won silver as part of the 4x200m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle relay teams.

Speaking after the success in the men’s 4x100m medley relay, Scott said: “For us to be able to do that on the last night is exciting for what is to come in the summer.

“You can look at so many different areas that we can improve on individually, but then also as a team as well. It's going to be tough because there are teams still looking to qualify for the Olympics so we had to be on it this morning and we were - and that was a really good swim from everyone tonight.”

It was also a successful meet for Aimee Willmott and Cassie Wild, who won silver medals in their respective 400m individual medley and 200m backstroke events, whilst Emma Russell had an impressive GB senior debut, racing in the heats for the all-conquering women’s 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle team that won gold in both events.

Ross Murdoch continued his return to form with a strong performance in the 200m breaststroke final and Keanna MacInnes also made her mark at the event who reached the final of the 200m butterfly on her maiden GB senior appearance.

University of Stirling swimmers in the British Swimming squad for the LEN European Aquatics Championships, Budapest
Kathleen Dawson
Keanna MacInnes
Ross Murdoch
Emma Russell
Duncan Scott
Cassie Wild
Aimee Willmott