He became Scotland's most decorated athlete at a single Commonwealth Game and now Duncan Scott will lead his teammates out at the Gold Coast 2018 Closing Ceremony as flag bearer.
The Closing Ceremony flag bearer is chosen by the team management; taking into consideration all the performances and stories from throughout the Games. Scott’s record breaking achievement, which included him becoming Scotland’s first ever gold medalist in the 100m Freestyle, has been one of the finest individual displays of the Games.
Duncan follows in the footsteps of other swimming greats, Gregor Tait, who carried the flag into the Closing Ceremony the last time the Games were held in Australia; Melbourne 2006 and Alison Sheppard in 2002.
Speaking about his selection, Duncan said: “To be flag bearer is a complete honour. It’s something we speak about as swimmers, and I’m just immensely proud. It’s not something that many people get the chance to do, it’s only a select few, two people per Games. To be selected for that is an absolute honour. It’s the most medals we’ve ever won at an overseas Games so to lead the team out to close it is just incredible.
“I’m delighted with how I’ve performed up against the best in the world. It’s been great to show just how much quality we have in Scottish Swimming. We had so many amazing performances, including some that haven’t been shown on the medal table. To be named flag bearer and to represent swimming and Team Scotland is really special.”
Jon Doig, Team Scotland’s Chef de Mission added: “The 2018 Commonwealth Games has been a huge success for Team Scotland and we’ve seen some incredible achievements and stories coming from our athletes. Duncan’s performances, night after night in the pool have been outstanding and to come away from a single Games with six medals is phenomenal.”
“Along with his performances in the pool, Duncan is a wonderful ambassador for swimming and for Scotland, and I know the full team will proudly follow him into the Closing Ceremony.”