Training and studying at the University of Stirling, Duncan has demonstrated world class performances becoming the most decorated British swimmer ever and the most decorated British athlete of any sport at one Olympic Games.
Duncan grew up in Alloa with his parents and older sister. He enjoyed swimming from a young age and was always keen to compete in the pool.
Having been successful at junior European and International events previously, Duncan first competed at a senior level in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. There he won a silver medal in the 4 × 200 m freestyle relay with Scotland. In the 2016 Rio Olympics he won silver in the 4 × 200 m freestyle relay. In 2018 he became the most decorated swimmer ever at a Commonwealth Games after a tally of medals on the Gold Coast that included gold in the 100m freestyle, silver in the 200m individual medley and four bronzes. Across 2019 and 2020 in an unprecedented year Duncan played a key role on the London Roar team of the International Swimming League. He continued to make history in 2021 at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games where he became the most decorated British athlete in any Olympic Games and the most decorated British swimmer ever. He achieved gold in the men’s 4 x 200m freestyle relay and silvers in the men’s medley relay and individual 200m freestyle and 200 IM events.
Duncan is currently studying business and sports studies at the University of Stirling and has a particular interest in ethics and sustainability across both areas, keen to pursue a career that allows him to put this passion into practice. Duncan is a regular on the golf courses of Scotland and also follows the NFL as an avid Carolina Panthers supporter.
As an ambassador for Scottish Swimming’s partnership with Scottish Water, Duncan plays an active role leading workshops and participating in community events within their Learn to Swim programme. Duncan is also a Speedo International ambassador and an ambassador for Arnold Clark.
We need to be obsessed with what we do to get to the top of a sport defined by such small margins. You need to look at every fine detail.
