Kayaking: McMorrin aims to paddle his way to Rio

Chemistry lecturer Colin McMorrin divides his time between his lab and his kayak

McMorrin, 25, from Kinghorn, Fife, paddled to victory in the 200 metre event at the Scottish Championships held at Strathclyde Park Loch recently.

He also proved his all-round credentials by coming in second in both the 500 metre and 1 kilometre events on the same day.

Now the Glasgow University graduate – who started lecturing at Forth Valley College in August – has set his sights on selection for the Great Britain team and from there to secure a place at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.

McMorrin, whose girlfriend Rebecca Lightfoot is a top-class rower in the Scottish squad, said: “My success at the recent Scottish Championship has come as a great relief. The early mornings and up to 13 sessions a week, many on the Union Canal in Edinburgh, have paid off. It’s great to back that up with some results.

“I am really enjoying working here at Forth Valley College at the Falkirk Campus. Hopefully some of the good habits I employ when working with my sports coaches – such as the importance of communication and putting theory into practice – can rub off on the students I teach, too.”

McMorrin is looking forward to pitting his wits against London Olympic gold medallist Ed McKeever at the British Championship in Nottingham in April next year.

He is also looking to recruit sponsors to help him invest in a new boat as he has achieved all he has so far in a dated canoe.

McMorrin, who is a member of the Kirkcaldy Canoe Club, is also keen to encourage more young people to take up the sport. He added: “I have been doing this since I was 13 and it is such a great way of keeping fit.

“Just the feeling alone of being on the water, getting your boat up to speed and going for the goal you have set yourself is a great feeling. I would encourage anyone to give it a try. The world record for 200m is a fantastic 33.8 seconds and my personal best time is 38 seconds, so I am looking to raise around £2,500 to buy a new boat to try to help me shave some time off that and be the best that I can be.

“Sportscotland help me as much as they can, but I still need to find around £2,000 each year to fund my training and coaching – not counting travelling expenses.

“So I would be delighted to hear from anyone who thinks they can help me with sponsorship.

“There is certainly plenty of space on my boat – and my car for that matter – for any branding or logos they would like me to promote.”