Perthshire North MSP, John Swinney, has added his voice to the congratulations being given to Perth-based swimmer, Stephen Milne, on his Olympic silver medal performance at the Rio Games in the early hours of Wednesday 10 August.

Swimming in the 4x200M Relay – the same event that he medalled in at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 – the former Perth Academy pupil and current Perth College UHI Student swam alongside fellow Scots Duncan Scott and Dan Wallace in the 4 person team beside Manchester based swimmer, James Guy. In a close finish behind 21-time Olympic Champion, Michael Phelps, and the USA team Stephen and his 4 person team edged out Japan and Australia to take silver.

Commenting, Mr Swinney, said:

“I am delighted for Stephen, and the entire team, following their success in the pool in the early hours of Wednesday morning. It was an excellent performance from everybody in the team and they can be very proud of their achievement.

“Stephen’s result is particularly impressive, building on his silver medal performance in the same event, at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. I hope that his display, and that of the rest of the team, can inspire more young people in the area to get involved in swimming and take advantage of the same facilities that Stephen honed his skills in at a young age, in Perth.

“I wish him the very best of luck in his next event, on Friday, but hope that he gets a chance to celebrate this excellent result.”

Stephen’s hopes for more Olympic glory will continue on Day 7 of the Rio Games when he swims in the 1500m freestyle heats.