Paris Olympics: Duncan Scott – “The Skinnier Version Of Michael Phelps” – Rebuffs Sir Chris Hoy Comparisons
James Guy once described Duncan Scott as “a skinnier version of Michael Phelps.”
Tom Dean said he’s “up there with your Phelps and your (Ryan) Lochtes and your (Kosuke) Haginos,” speaking to the combination of quality and versatility.
In response, Scott told Swimming World: “To be honest, I would never compare myself to him (Michael Phelps). I don’t think too much of things like that – I am way off what he has ever achieved.”
The 27-year-old has transcended swimming in British circles and is now being spoken of in the same breath as cyclist Sir Chris Hoy with the pair third all-time among British Olympic medallists.
Tom Dean, Matthew Richards, Duncan Scott and James Guy: Photo courtesy: Deepbluemedia
By anchoring Great Britain’s 4×200 free relay squad to gold with a scorching split of 1:43:95, the University of Stirling swimmer elevated himself alongside fellow Scot Hoy with the duo each a seven-time medallist.
Hoy won six golds and one silver across four Olympics between Sydney 2000 and London 2012.
Scott has two golds and five silvers across Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 with the 200IM to come at La Defense Arena, in which he won silver in Tokyo.
As of now, Scott and Hoy are eclipsed in the British all-time rankings by only cycling pair Jason Kenny, with nine medals, and Bradley Wiggins, who has made eight trips to the Olympic rostrum.
Scott, though, was all customary modesty after anchoring the Team GB relay to their first swimming gold of Paris 2024.
“I’m nowhere near the level of athlete Chris Hoy has been,” he said. “That’s taking away from what he’s achieved.
“I’ve had so many medals won by relay teammates, and I cannot thank them enough for what they do and how much they’ve done. And they put me in a phenomenal position there, like they always do.
“From medley relays with (Adam) Peaty and Jimmy (James Guy) and Luke Greenbank in the past 4x200s. I’ve been incredibly fortunate with what I’ve been able to have.
“This is my third Olympic games, but I don’t think I should ever be compared to Sir Chris Hoy. It’s pretty cool in terms of numbers, but he’s got quite a few better colours than I do.”
Guy, though, was having none of it, grinning: “Damn right, of course. Fellow Scotsman, of course.
“Duncan is very, very versatile. We first raced when we were 16 and 15. He is an incredible athlete. He is so process orientated and very level-headed. Duncan is a brilliant athlete and I think he can do some danger in the 200IM in a few days’ time.”
Duncan Scott: Photo courtesy: Deepbluemedia
Scott made his World Championship debut at Kazan 2015 where Guy won the individual 200 free title ahead of Sun Yang and Paul Biedermann.
The young Scot swam the prelims of the 4×2, anchoring the GB quartet in 1:48.35 as they progressed third.
He was then replaced for the final by Guy who split 1:44.74 to propel the squad to gold.
Since then, they’ve come together to win a further two world golds and a bronze as well as two Olympic titles and silver at Rio 2016.
On an individual basis, he’s won Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth medals across 100 and 200 free, 200IM and 200m butterfly.
As notable as his versatility is Scott’s modesty and humility, something noted by many teammates.
Dean told Swimming World: “Because he is so modest I don’t think people quite realise how incredible an athlete he is and I think we are very fortunate to be not only racing at the same time but from the same country.”
Guy concurred, adding: “He is amazing: what he generates from his body is fantastic and without him British swimming would be lost. He is one of the backbones of British swimming so really good.”
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