Swimming is one of Scotland's sports of the moment. Following the massive success at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the roll has continued and a large swathe of tartan will be draped around this year's British team at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Robbie Renwick, at 19, is the youngest Scottish man to make the British line-up - and he was a tad surprised, but absolutely thrilled, to make the team in the individual 200m freestyle, and be assured of a place in the 4 x 200m relay team that has a real medal chance in Beijing.

"Qualifying for this year's Olympics is an absolute dream," admitted the teenager after gaining his place at this month's British trials in Sheffield. "It was all I could think about in the build-up to the trials.

"In the final, I was so determined to finish in the top four and get a relay place. To finish second and make the individual as well was just amazing."

For Robbie, it was a long and winding road to success in Sheffield. While there are lots of success stories, there is also a huge negative for the sport in Scotland - a lack of 50m pools. And this situation is likely to get worse next summer when the 'old lady' that is the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh - she is celebrating 38 years of existence - closes down for refurbishment.

In Robbie's native Aberdeen, the situation is even worse in that there is not even one long-course facility, It meant he had to tour the world in search of suitable training in the quest to fulfil his Olympic dream in Beijing in August.

Thankfully, he has a hugely supportive coach in Eileen Adams - and she left no stone unturned over the past year in her efforts to get the youngster in shape for the biggest test of his career.

"It has been really hectic over the last few months," said Eileen, one of Scotland's most respected coaches. "We were in California for eight weeks, did a Tour of Australia and then went back to the States, to Chattanooga and Missouri. We also spent some time in Berlin.

"But there was no option of Robbie was to get his best chance. It cost a lot of money, but we had to do something to get him 50m pool time."

Renwick, who has already competed for GB at world and European level, spent the final stint before the Olympic trials at the 500 facility at Stirling University. "They have also been very supportive," added Eileen.

But is does seem a shame that swimmers from such a large city have to seek pastures new. David Carry, who still keeps in touch with Eileen on a regular basis, moved south to Loughborough after he won double Commonwealth Games gold in 2006.

After the Olympic Games, there is every chance that our youngest female qualifier, 18-year-old Hannah Miley - who is coached by her father Patrick at the Garioch Club in Inverurie - will also be contemplating a switch of training venue.

How many Aberdonian youngsters have been keen and talented swimmers, but not had quite had the level of determination and single-mindedness of a Carry, Renwick or Miley? If there was a 50m pool in the area then many more might flock to the sport.

Swimmers are perfect sporting role models. The very nature of their sport means they have to be focussed, disciplined and there is little doubt that it is one of the healthiest activities known to man, or woman. It is perfect for keeping obesity at bay.

So let's hope that a 50m pool for Aberdeen will soon be on the agenda. Eileen would certainly appreciate it as she looks forward to preparing another batch of talent for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

And Robbie lends his whole-hearted support. "It has been amazing what Eileen has done me for over the last few months. Getting just one 50m pool in Aberdeen would be great."

EB
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See Robbie's profile on the Scottish Institute of Sport website by clicking here