Scottish swimming awards: Michael Jamieson going with the flow as 2014 hype builds

By STUART BATHGATE
Published on 14/09/2012 20:06

MICHAEL Jamieson better get used to the adulation which greeted him as he took part in yesterday’s Homecoming Parade. Born and bred in Glasgow, the 24-year-old was always set to be one of the faces of the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

But now that he is an Olympic silver medallist as well, having been denied gold in the 200 metres breaststroke only by a world record swim from Hungary’s Daniel Gyurta, he can expect the sort of pressure to perform which was exerted on Jessica Ennis before the London Games.

Fortunately, he is so relaxed and easygoing that he is unlikely to be bowled over by all the hype. And, while he has enjoyed being back home for the past week, he will continue to be based in Bath, so will be able to hide away from the hysteria which is sure to mount over the spring and summer of 2014. “It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s good fun,” Jamieson said of post-Olympic life.

“I’m trying to take everything in my stride and just go with the flow. I’ve had a good month off, managed to get some downtime and get a holiday. Since I got back last week, I feel almost ready to get to it – which is encouraging.

“It’s probably the longest break I’ve had. I didn’t really get any time off in the last four years, so I’ve really made the most of this one. But I’m really looking forward to getting back to the graft.”

Jamieson has a lot to do before he can turn his mind to Glasgow 2014, with the world championships in Barcelona next July being the most important event between then and now.

“But a home Commonwealth Games is definitely at the forefront of my mind,” he continued. “I’m still going to be based down at Bath next year, and I guess it will be good to stay out of the limelight for a year. The pressure and the expectation that will come with this is something I’ll have to learn to deal with. But training will always come first ahead of anything else.”

Having shared in the general delight at how well every aspect of the London Olympics were organised, Jamieson knows Glasgow has a high standard to live up to, but is sure it will succeed. “As far as I’m concerned, everything went as well as it could in London,” he said. “The Games Makers, everyone involved, all ran it brilliantly. I think Glasgow will be up to the task, definitely.”

Meanwhile, Jamieson’s summer of success continued last night when he was the awarded the Nancy Riach Memorial Medal at the 13th Scottish Swimming Annual Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Scottish Gas, held at the Glasgow Science Centre. The award recognises the person who has the done the most to enhance or uphold the prestige of Scottish Swimming during the year. Also in attendance were Jamieson’s fellow Olympians, Craig Benson, Caitlin McClatchey and Robbie Renwick.

The Outstanding Disability Swimmer 2012 was awarded to James Clegg, who was supported by his fellow Paralympians, Jim ‘The Swim’ Anderson, Andrew Mullen and Craig Rodgie who also enjoyed the evening’s celebrations.

J Y COUTTS MEMORIAL AWARD

Outstanding Service: Ron Taylor (Warrender Baths Club)

NANCY RIACH MEMORIAL AWARD 2011

Enhance/uphold the prestige of Scottish Swimming: Hannah Miley (Garioch ASC)

NANCY RIACH MEMORIAL AWARD 2012

Michael Jamieson (Edinburgh University/Bath ITC)

W G TODD PRIZE AND CUP 2011

Junior swimmer of the year (Female)

Emily Jones (Garioch ASC)

Junior swimmer of the year (Male)

Craig Benson (Warrender Baths Club)

W G TODD PRIZE AND CUP 2012

Charlotte McKenzie (Falkirk Otters)

Craig Benson (Warrender Baths Club)

SENIOR WATER POLO PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2011-12 James Scobie (Portobello ASC)

JUNIOR WATER POLO PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2011-12 Louise Fox (Menzieshill Whitehall Swimming & Water Polo Club)

JOHN AND MARGARET BELL AWARD 2011-12 Enhance/uphold the prestige of Scottish diving: Jane Ogden (Edinburgh Diving Club)

DENIS SULLIVAN MEMORIAL TROPHY 2011-12 Enhance/uphold the prestige of Scottish open water: Mark Deans (City of Glasgow Swim Team)

EIAN PRENTICE AWARD 2011-12 Junior open water swimmer of the year: Rebecca Smith (Skye Dolphins/Highland Swim Team)

OUTSTANDING DISABILITY SWIMMER James Clegg (East Lothian Swim Team)

SYNCHRO AWARD 2011-12: Edie Turner

(Edinburgh Synchronised Swimming Club)

JOHN GUNNING VOLUNTEER AWARDS

West District - Patricia Tate (Inverclyde ASC); East District - Ralph Payne (Carnegie); Midland District - Kirsteen Kilgallon (Dundee City Aquatics); North District - Kevin Paterson (Bridge of Don

BSCA COACH OF THE YEAR Patrick Miley (Garioch ASC)

BSCA JUNIOR COACH OF THE YEAR

Laurel Bailey (Warrender Baths Club)

BSCA DEVELOPMENT COACH OF THE YEAR Mat Trodden (East Lothian Swim Team)

KELLOGG’S SWIM ACTIVE SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR Angus Leisure

KELLOGG’S SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture

SCHOOL SWIMMING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR Perth and Kinross Council & Live Active Leisure

SCOTTISH GAS OUTSTANDING

CONTRIBUTION TO SWIMMING 2012 Debra Taylor & Louise Findlay