FORMER Carnegie Swimming Club star Mark Szaranek has marked his first Commonwealth Games by winning silver on the Gold Coast.
The 22-year-old, who moved to the University of Florida to undertake a four-year scholarship in 2014, produced a memorable performance in the pool to finish second in the 400 metres individual medley this afternoon.
#GC2018 MEDAL ALERT!
— Scottish Swimming (@ScottishSwim) April 6, 2018
BOOM!! SILVER FOR @MarkSzaranek! Get in there!! 4:13.72 as well which makes it a PERSONAL BEST! 💪🏴 pic.twitter.com/4jQeYCl0L1
Szaranek, whose talents were recognised by being named as Dunfermline and West Fife Sports Council's Sports Person of the Year for 2013, qualified for the final by winning his morning heat in a time of 4:18.47.
But, in the final, he improved on that time in dramatic style by posting a superb PB time of 4:13.72 - and seal his place on the podium.
Although he just missed out on gold to Australia's Clyde Lewis (4:13.12), Szaranek held off the challenge of New Zealand's Lewis Clareburt (4:14.42) to win silver.
Speaking to BBC Sport immediately after the race, he said: "You've got to put a lot of work in in training to swim the 400 IM.
"That's the best time for me; shame I couldn't get the gold but it was a good race and he (Lewis) was better than me tonight.
"It's still an event I'm learning I would say, especially at this level, but it'll be something I swim for the next couple of years and look to move it on in the world scene."
🥈 SILVER 🥈
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) April 6, 2018
🏴 Mark Szaranek has taken silver in the 400m individual medley for Scotland.
📺 BBC One Scotland
📱 https://t.co/ZpiEp513vy#GC2018 #bbcgoldcoast pic.twitter.com/LPrIynfXol
Mel Young, chair of sportscotland, said: "Congratulations to Mark on winning a silver medal in a personal best time. To win a medal at this level is a huge achievement, but to win one at your first Commonwealth Games is very special indeed."
REACTION: sportscotland Chair, Mel Young, said: “Congratulations to Mark on winning a silver medal in a personal best time. To win a medal at this level is a huge achievement, but to win one at your first Commonwealth Games is very special indeed." #TeamScot2018 #CWG2018 https://t.co/FnvMwT7bmM
— sportscotland (@sportscotland) April 6, 2018
Another former Carnegie swimmer, Craig McLean, was also in action on day two of the Games this morning.
Alongside Kieran McGuckin, Scott McLay and Dan Wallace, he helped Scotland secure a place in the 4x100m freestyle final with a new Scottish record time of 3:16.53.
It's also a new Scottish record for the quartet of @k3mgu, @CraigMcLean98, @MclayScott & @danwallace_ who have secured a place in the final of 4x100m Freestyle with a time of 3:16.53. #TeamScot2018 #GC2018Swimming pic.twitter.com/IGlcFdTlbo
— Team Scotland (@Team_Scotland) April 6, 2018
On day one yesterday, there was also joy for another West Fifer in the shape of Craig Nicol.
The Dunfermline-born head coach of the City of Edinburgh Basketball Club's senior men is in Australia working as an assistant coach to the Scottish team.
They opened their pool campaign against England and, after a memorable match, emerged as 78-65 winners.
The good news just keeps coming! Basketball open their #GC2018 campaign with a 78-65 win over England! #TeamScot2018 pic.twitter.com/0iDQhQuYNt
— Team Scotland (@Team_Scotland) April 5, 2018
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