Stephen Milne has been the “perfect ambassador” for Perth City Swim Club.
That was the message from club president Gordon Currie after the 28-year-old added another Commonwealth Games medal to his collection earlier this week.
Milne, who grew up swimming at Perth Leisure Pool before only recently moving to train with Stirling University, led Scotland off in their 4x200m relay quest on Monday evening and played his part in the bronze success.
An honorary life member of Perth City Swim Club, he has now earned a medal at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Games, as well as Olympic glory too.
He also helped guide the Scots into the 4x100 medley final, where a changed line-up went on to take bronze.
“Stephen’s success at the very highest level – for a decade or so – has been his reward for 20 years of hard work and dedication,” Perth club president Gordon told the PA.
“Peer inspiration is incredibly important in sport and having Stephen around for so many years has been hugely beneficial for our young swimmers.
“Of course, they won’t all go on to be world champions and Olympic medallists, but they can at least see the possibility.
“Watching Stephen train and race over the years, they have learned just how much hard work, dedication and resilience you need to compete at the highest level.
“It has also been impressive to see how humble and modest Stephen has remained through everything, and he’s always been willing to give his time freely to talk to our younger swimmers and pose for those medal selfies.
“He has been the perfect ambassador for Perth City Swim Club, putting the club on the global stage, and giving our younger swimmers the highest level to aspire to. We continue to salute his success and look forward to hopefully seeing him soon with his latest international medal.”
Milne teamed-up with Evan Jones, Mark Szaranek and former Strathallan student Duncan Scott to claim the 4x200m freestyle podium place.
The time of 7:09.33 secured third behind winners Australia (7:04.96) and England (7:07.50).
Gordon added: “Just seeing Stephen making the Scottish team again for the Commonwealth Games was a thrill for everyone at Perth City Swim Club.
“He’s been training with Stirling University for a while now, but we will always view Stephen as one of our own.
“The 4x200 freestyle team probably wouldn’t have expected to medal this time, given there were so many strong teams involved, but it says a lot for the character of the quartet that they dug in and got themselves on the podium.
“Five Games in a row Scotland has medalled in the event and they were obviously determined not to let that sequence end. It was great to see Stephen collecting his medal and I’m sure he’ll come back in to see us and show it to all of our young swimmers.”
Milne, a former Perth Academy student, was understandably thrilled to add to his medal haul.
“We know it’s about setting Duncan up, but this is more than one person, we’re a team of four and I’m delighted to be part of the team with these guys,” he beamed after the race.
“These guys are great and I’m so glad we could do this for the team.”
