As the refurbished Tollcross pool in Glasgow, which will host the Commonwealth Games in 2014, prepares to reopen to the public, Robbie Renwick believes that the home crowd inside the venue will spur him on to retain the title he won in back in 2010.

The Scottish swimmer won 200m freestyle gold in Delhi three years ago, and will bid to defend it in Glasgow.
The 24-year-old was speaking at the launch of this year’s Bank of Scotland Local Heroes scheme from the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, which will also be a Games venue, and he believes the experience of competing for Team GB at London 2012 will stand him in good stead for the pressures of Glasgow.

“We have been really fortunate to have a home Olympics and now a home Commonwealth Games so it is really exciting for us,” he said. “I live and train in Glasgow and everyone is getting really excited for the Olympic Games. There is a real buzz around town and it is a really motivating factor day in, day out.

“Having the experience of a home crowd at the London Olympics I am definitely going to use that for the Commonwealth Games next year.

“Whether it is making a final, getting on the podium or winning the gold medal everyone has their own goals in mind and for me it is getting on that podium and winning my gold medal back.”

As part of Bank of Scotland’s London 2012 legacy, Bank of Scotland Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, will provide support and funding to 82 emerging Scottish athletes in 2013. Over 220 Local Heroes have benefited from the programme since 2008. Follow Scotland’s future stars at facebook.com/bankofscotlandlocalheroes