Jak Scott is well aware he is a member of a lucky sporting generation.  A Scottish swimmer with the chance to compete at an Olympic Games in London and a Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. It’s a perfect double-header.

Given such an opportunity, it is up to the athlete to make the most of the good fortune. And Scott has done just that. He has set goals, and beaten them all. Just 20, he seems to have always been one step ahead of his ambition. 

Last year, he was “really surprised” to make the Scottish team for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. But he didn’t just make up the numbers for the Indian trip, he came home with a silver medal as a member of the 4 x 200m freestyle relay team.

Last month, he set a new high by gaining his first GB senior cap at the World Championships in Shanghai.  He again lined up in the 4 x 200m medley and helped the side finish sixth in the final in 7:10.84.  The result clinched GB’s place in the event for London 2012 – and Scott is determined to be there.

Yet when young Jak first heard about the Olympics being awarded to London they weren’t even on his radar. But he remember the occasion very well. 

“We were driving to France for a family holiday,” he recalled. “We were just outside Carlisle when it was announced that London had won the 2012 Olympic bid.  I remember all the cheering on the radio and it was exciting. But I never dreamt I could be a competitor. “

But a seed of motivation was well and truly sewn. 

Born in Edinburgh but brought up in Hawick – his father was a Police Chief Superintendent – Scott followed his brother, Christopher, and joined the local swimming club. Once he outgrew Hawick he moved to Duns.

A few years later and his family made a huge sacrifice by moving to the central belt and nearer the swimming hub.  “I did my Standard Grades in Hawick and then we moved to Bo’ness and I went to Linlithgow Academy and joined the Dunedin Club in Edinburgh,” he explained. 

“After I left school I then went to Stirling University on a sports scholarship and joined coach Rob Greenwood at the British Intensive Training Centre.”

Scott has just successfully completed his second year of an accountancy and business law degree at the University and his studies will not resume until after London 2012. Now, all the focus is on becoming a faster 200m freestyle swimmer.  A year to go, and every day counts.

“At the moment, I’m the fourth fastest in GB in the 200m and getting better all the time so I feel right now I’m in exactly the right place,” he said. “Making Shanghai was great timing and a wonderful experience.

Scott was the third leg of the swim following Ross Davenport and David Carry and before Robbie Renwick. “Standing on the blocks was the most amazing feeling in my life,” he said. “The atmosphere was electric and I can’t imagine how it is going to be next year. The Worlds have been a he inspiration.”

In the winter, Scott will escape the cold, snow and the danger of falling foul of colds and flu by training overseas.  The Stirling ITC has already organised tips to Arizona, South Africa and Tenerife. 

“There are going to be a lot of guys after the 200m spots fro London, but I’m confident I can make it,” he continued. “The major championships are such wonderful experiences and London will be the peak.

“The Commonwealth Games last year were great. To have thousands of people cheering for you and be in front of TV cameras knowing that loads of people at home were watching. I want more of it.”

A member of the Winning Student Programme and backed by the Robertson Trust Fund at Stirling, Scott is well aware that the next 12 months offer a massive opportunity.

“I am so lucky,” he agreed. “After London. I’ll then be going forward to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. And the next Olympics are in Brazil – that should also be a great event. I hope to be at them all.”

Lucky? Yes.  But you also make your own luck and Jak Scott is doing just that.

EB

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