ONE of Alloa’s most famous sons made history as he became Scotland’s most decorated Olympian.

Duncan Scott picked up his eighth Olympic medal as he earned silver in the 200m individual medley at the Paris 2024 Games.

This, added to his already impressive seven-strong medal haul, saw him overtake Sir Chris Hoy as the country’s most decorated Olympian.

The former track cyclist sits on seven medals  - six gold and one silver – while Duncan now boasts eight, albeit two gold and six silver.

Speaking to BBC News after the historic race, Duncan said: “I need to watch it back, I probably made my coach nervous at one point.

“My target was to really push myself out there, I know I’ve got a really strong freestyle and I know those guys are thinking about my freestyle when it’s coming to the later stages of the race.

“That’s a great way to finish [my programme], I had an opportunity to medal and I came in here wanting to lay something down and have a good performance in that.

“The second half of the week has exceeded expectations a lot and I’m pretty buzzing with that.”

Since passing the historic milestone, tributes and messages of congratulations have poured in for the 27-year-old.

Jonathon Burton, custodian for the Alloa Amateur Swimming Club, was full of praise for Duncan, who had often worked alongside the club when it was operational.

“Duncan’s signed things for our kids at the club before,” he said. “He’s just such an amazing guy.

“I’m fortunate enough to work around where he works and trains and I see him every now and then.

“He’s an absolute pleasure and is a great ambassador for swimming locally and Alloa is such a big part of his history.”

Duncan has also now become the third most decorated British Olympian, ranking behind Jason Kenny and Bradley Wiggins.

However, he is the only athlete in the top three who still competes, leaving the door open for him to become Britain’s most decorated.

Duncan is a part of the University of Stirling swim team and they also joined in congratulating him for his achievements.

David Bond, head of performance sport at the University of Stirling, said: “Massive congratulations to Duncan on winning his second medal at Paris, making it his eighth Olympic medal overall.

“It’s so satisfying to see Duncan’s hard work and determination paying off and it is confirmation that, as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, the University of Stirling produces world-class athletes.

“Duncan is one of eight swimmers from the University of Stirling at the Paris Olympics and we are incredibly proud of all of them, and of the commitment of the coaches and training staff who support them daily to achieve their goals.

“They really are role models for our next generation of swimmers.”

The medal that made Duncan Scotland’s most-decorated Olympian was his second of the tournament.

He had initially won gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay, alongside James Guy, Tom Dean and Matt Richards.

The team also became the first four swimmers to successfully defend an Olympic 4x200m relay title, having won in Tokyo in 2020.

First Minister John Swinney also delivered his personal congratulations to Duncan for the inspiration he provides to young swimmers.

He said: “Duncan should be immensely proud of his career and with this latest success, he becomes Scotland’s most decorated Olympian.

“His continued success on the world stage is a result of his commitment and determination, and I am sure his remarkable achievements will inspire future generations of Scottish swimmers.”

His achievement was also recognised at local level, with Alexander Stewart, Tory MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife offering his congratulations.

Mr Stewart lodged a motion in Scottish Parliament recognising Duncan’s achievements and called for cross-party support.

He said: “This is a truly wonderful accomplishment for Duncan Scott and I was only too delighted to acknowledge this formally with a parliamentary motion.

“It is also a wonderful accolade for the University of Stirling’s National Swimming Academy and of course for Team GB and I send my most sincere congratulations to Duncan as well as to the entire team on this fantastic achievement.”