Tokyo 2020: Scotland’s Olympic medal hopes to watch out for

As the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics have gotten underway Team GB is already in amongst the medals.

However, as the games continue it’s worth looking at some of Scotland’s top prospects who will be aiming to secure a medal for Team GB in the coming weeks.

Whether you’re willing to stay up late and watch live or just catch the highlights in the morning, these are athletes whose performances you will not want to miss.

Jemma Reekie - Athletics: 800m

Competing in the 800m, the Kilbarchan AAC athlete will be hoping for success on the track. After setting new British indoor records in both the 800m and the Mile in 2020, the 23-year-old certainly has the capacity to bring back some silverware from Japan. Reekie will be in action during the early hours on Friday (30 July) as the Women’s 800m heats kick off at 1:55 am GMT.

Laura Muir - Athletics: 1500m

Middle distance athlete Muir has narrowly missed out on medals at the last three Athletics World Championships. However you can bet the reigning European Champion will be gunning for glory at the Olympics in Tokyo. After skipping the Commonwealth Games in 2018 to focus on her studies in Veterinary Medicine she has subsequently graduated and is competing full time. Muir begins her quest for glory in the opening rounds of the 1500m on 2 August at 1:35am GMT.

Scott Brash - Equestrian: Team/Individual Jumping

The Showjumping pride of the Scottish Borders, Scott Brash is no stranger to Olympic success. London 2012 saw the man from Peebles grab gold in the equestrian team jumping. Nine years later and Brash is making a bid for the podium once more. With a run of recent success in Grand Prix Showjumping, the 35-year-old will be going for gold in the team and individual events, which take place on 6 August at 11am GMT and 3 August at 11am GMT.

Polly Swann - Rowing: Women’s Pair

Rio silver medallist Polly Swann is back for more. Competing alongside two-time Olympic Gold Medallist Helen Glover in the Women’s Pair, the two have already got underway. After advancing through the heats the pair are set to compete in the semifinals on Wednesday (28 July) at 4.20am GMT. As the 33-year-old gears up towards the big day it’s safe to say that she has come a long way from when she started rowing on Union Canal in Edinburgh aged 14.

Seonaid Mcintosh - Shooting: 3x50 Rifle

Another athlete who has already gotten underway is Seonaid Mcintosh. The 25-year-old suffered a disappointing 12th place finish in the 10m Rifle but is looking to bounce back and finish highly in her next event: the 50m rifle in three positions. Mcintosh is the reigning world shooting champion in the 50m prone discipline and prefers shooting over the longer distance. Over the previous year Mcintosh has been studying for an MSc in Performance Psychology - which will hopefully come in handy when she gets back in action on Saturday (31 July) at 4:00am GMT.

Duncan Scott - Swimming: 200m Individual Medley

One of Scotland’s biggest medal hopes is 24-year-old Duncan Scott. The Alloa man has already grabbed a silver medal in the 200m Freestyle at Tokyo. During the final Scott finished with exceptional closing speed, almost catching gold medallist and fellow Brit Tom Dean. Outside of the water Scott is a Business and Sports Studies student at the University of Stirling and a big fan of American Football team the Carolina Panthers. After a short period of respite Scott will return poolside for the 200m Individual Medley. Heats will kick off on Wednesday (28 July) at 11:54am GMT.

Read more: Tokyo 2020 medals table: full medals count for the Olympics so far

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