Scottish Swimmer Stephen Clegg Makes History with Gold and World Record at Paris 2024

In a heart-pounding moment that will be etched in the annals of Paralympic history, Stephen Clegg triumphed in the 100m backstroke S12 final at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, clinching not only his first gold medal but also setting a world record. The achievement marks a monumental landmark, making him the first Scottish athlete to claim gold at these Games, an accolade that is sure to inspire a new generation of athletes. After the race, the weight of his accomplishment was palpable as Clegg, visibly overwhelmed, immediately reached out to his sister, Libby Clegg, a decorated multi-Paralympic gold medallist herself. In a candid moment shared with BBC Sport Scotland, he expressed the profound significance of their connection. “I was kind of lost for words,” he admitted, reflecting on the emotional surge of having his sister, a legend in her own right, share in his victory. “To be able to put myself on the same level is an incredible thing for me.” Clegg's family legacy extends further, with his brother James also a visually-impaired Paralympian and medallist from the London 2012 Games, placing additional expectations upon him. However, rather than feeling overshadowed by their accomplishments, Clegg credits their success as a vital source of motivation. The pressure of familial prowess has spurred him on to excel, a common narrative among elite athletes navigating the high expectations set by their predecessors. As he stood on the poolside, still absorbing the enormity of his victory, Clegg's raw emotions were on full display. “Sensational, I don't have many words to say,” he managed to convey, the reality of his triumph beginning to sink in. “It's eluded me for quite a long time, and it's just so, so gratifying to get the monkey off my back.” The path to gold has been paved with both triumphs and setbacks. Clegg’s journey to this moment has not been easy; he recalls the crushing disappointment of narrowly missing out on gold at the Tokyo Games just three years prior, finishing just 6-1 hundredths of a second behind the leader. “I was confident, don't get me wrong. I wasn't coming in through this year thinking this was out of the possibility,” he noted, illustrating the resilience required to compete at such a high level. Now, with a gold medal and a world record under his belt, the door is wide open for Clegg’s future in the sport. “Doing it in a time that no-one has ever done before is something I'm really overwhelmed by,” he remarked, hinting at the potential for further success. With two more events on the horizon during the Paris Games, fans and fellow competitors alike will be eagerly watching to see how this remarkable athlete builds upon his newfound glory. Clegg's achievement is not just a personal victory; it is a stirring reminder of the power of perseverance, family, and the indomitable spirit of athletes competing at the highest levels. In capturing the gold, he has not only fulfilled a lifelong dream but also carved a legacy that will resonate within the Paralympic community for years to come.