After making their Olympics debuts, two of Scotland’s rising stars of swimming say they’re already targeting the next games in Los Angeles – and challenging for medals.
Katie Shanahan and Keanna MacInnes were part of the eight-strong team based at Stirling University who competed in Paris, and returned to training with a fanfare this week.
The Olympians of the National Swimming Academy were welcomed back carrying medals and a priceless consignment of big-time experience.
STV News“I think it’s just so different when you’re there and in the village and experiencing it all with a multi-sport event and everyone there around you,” Shanahan told STV.
“Obviously the swimming was amazing, being in that massive atmosphere with that massive crowd. It just makes me more hungry to work for the next four years to make LA and hopefully do a bit better.”
For MacInnes, the return to the pool feeds a desire to build on her Paris semi-final and edge towards competing for medals in Los Angeles.
“Everyone’s excited and although we’re only slowly building into the season you can feel the buzz off the back of the Olympics,” she said.
“I would like to make the final in the next Games, if I get there, and then see how close I can get to the podium. We have a lot of medallists here and that’s really inspiring.”
The four-year Olympic cycle has a halfway point of particular significance for these athletes with the Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow in 2026. A home Games, and the focus and backing, that will bring, is something both are eagerly anticipating.
“The number of people back home who have said they are going to come and watch and support, that’ll be amazing” Shanahan said. “I could probably sell out the whole stadium with the number of people that would come and support.
“Coming off the back of the last Commonwealth Games with two bronze medals, hopefully I can do better this time.”
MacInnes admitted the uncertainty over whether Glasgow would host, following Victoria’s decision to withdraw, meant she had almost written off her hopes.
She said: “I was just a bit young for Glasgow so I assumed I would never get a home Olympics or Commonwealth Games. We thought potentially it wasn’t going to happen so it’s generated a lot of excitement.”
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