Double medal pre-Games boost for swim star Murdoch

Milngavie duo Calum Tait and Jack Thorpe, like Murdoch part of Scotland’s Commonwealth Games team, were also in action at the meet which was the final competitive outing for most of the swimmers heading for the Gold Coast.

Murdoch finished second behind England’s James Wilby - the event at which he will defend the Commonwealth crown he won in Glasgow four years - clocking two minutes 14.22 seconds.

His second medal came in the 100m when he finished third in 1.01.26, behind world record holder Adam Peatty and 200m winner Wilby.

Tait also reached the 200m breaststroke final, finishing fifth in 2.15.92.

Thorpe just missed out on a place in the 100m freestyle final, but was first in the ‘B’ final in 50.38 seconds and reached the final of the 50m, finishing sixth in 23.09 seconds.

Murdoch recently returned to Tollcross International Swimming Centre, scene of his 2014 triumph, to host a coaching session with 15 winners of a competition run by Strathmore Water.

They met their swimming hero and received his expert coaching during an hour’s session before taking part in a question and answer session with Ross.

The event was part of Strathmore’s Do More campaign which aims to motivate and inspire more active participation across all levels of fitness. The session will hopefully have inspired participants to keep up with the sport and encourage others to make a splash and do the same.

The winning swimmers aged between 18 and 51 have the chance to get advice from Ross on their swimming warm ups and stroke, breathing and tumbling techniques; an amazing opportunity to see just what it takes to be a champion swimmer.

Strathmore joined forces with three of Scotland’s top stars – Murdoch, athlete Laura Muir and Paralympic star Samantha Kinghorn – to create Team Strathmore and help boost participation in grassroots sport.