Duncan Scott: Team GB Swimmer vs. ‘Next Michael Phelps’

Duncan Scott made history by winning four medals at the Tokyo Olympics, but now he faces a new challenge in French star Leon Marchand. Scott is eager to upset the Olympic plans of Marchand, who is hailed as the heir to Michael Phelps’ throne.

Leon Marchand, the top male swimmer in the world, has marked his place in history by breaking Phelps’ world record in the 400m individual medley. With gold medal potential in multiple events, the 21-year-old Frenchman is set to be the face of Paris 2024 and dominate his home Games. Scott, who won bronze in the 200m medley behind Marchand and teammate Tom Dean at last year’s World Championships, aims to challenge this narrative.

“The idea of competing against Leon on his home turf is quite special,” said the 26-year-old Scott. “It excites me. I want to race the best and go head-to-head with them. Leon will be at his best, and so will I.”

Scott made history in Tokyo by winning one gold and three silvers, becoming the first Team GB athlete to win four medals in a single Olympics. Now, his teammate Tom Dean is looking to surpass him by winning five medals.

“There’s no reason why not,” Scott said about Dean’s chances. “Tom’s incredibly talented and one of the best in the world. We’ll be competing in several events together, including the relay. If he aims high, he can definitely walk away with multiple medals.”

Scott has led the way for British swimmers taking on intense race schedules. He once competed 15 times in 48 hours at the university level and entered nine events at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

“It’s an emotional rollercoaster,” he said. “You need to keep your highs and lows in check and stay steady throughout. Good arousal, prioritizing nutrition and recovery are crucial because, by day nine, people start getting tired, and that’s your opportunity.”

Scott’s meticulous approach, nurtured by long-time coach Stephen Tigg, has been key to his success. Tigg has coached Scott since he was eight, a long-term partnership rare in today’s sports climate.

“Our relationship has evolved over time,” Scott said. “He has put so much belief in me, and together we’ve reached the Olympic Games. He’s a great leader, incorporating the entire support team, from strength and conditioning to psychology.”

Nutrition is also vital to Scott’s preparation. Aldi, the Official Supermarket Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, supports athletes with monthly food vouchers to fuel their training and competitions.

Scott will be a key member of the British 4x200m freestyle relay team, heading to Paris as world champions and just half a second shy of the world record. He also aims to help the 4x100m squad reach their potential, having secured a qualification place at February’s World Championships in Doha.

Scott has also earned Olympic spots in the 100m and 200m freestyle at the British Trials in London. However, his primary focus is the 200m individual medley, where he holds world and Olympic silver.

“It’s the ultimate test of an all-around swimmer, and that’s why I enjoy it so much,” Scott said. “There are so many fine details to work on. I wasn’t naturally good at breaststroke, so I’ve focused on improving that and perfecting transitions and turns.”

Many of Scott’s career highlights have been shared with Adam Peaty, the greatest breaststroker of all time, who took a break from swimming in 2023 for his mental health but is now back ahead of the Olympics.

“We sometimes take Adam for granted, given his long-term dominance,” said Scott. “I don’t know anyone else in British sport with his level of success. It’s great to have him back, adding an extra level to the British swimming team and boosting our confidence.”