Olympian Angharad Evans has declared her determination to repay Scotland for 'making her an athlete' by winning medals at the Commonwealth Games, after thriving since moving to the University of Stirling. The 23-year-old British champion in the women's 100m and 200m breaststroke reached the 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and is now set to make her Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow later this month.
From Cambridge to Stirling via the USA
Evans, who grew up in Cambridge, initially moved to the United States to study at the University of Georgia before relocating to Stirling. She credits the Scottish support system for her success. 'My journey's been here, there and everywhere! But all my success in swimming is down to Stirling, the Scottish support staff, the coaches and my teammates,' Evans said.
'If I didn't move to Stirling, and hadn't received the support I have, I wouldn't have qualified for the Commonwealth Games. Performing well this summer is me giving back to them.'
A close-knit Scottish squad
The World Championships silver medallist highlighted the strong bonds within the Scottish team, noting that almost all of the Stirling squad has qualified for the Commonwealth Games, which she described as 'unheard of.' She emphasised the importance of leaning on experienced teammates.
'I think almost all of our squad in Stirling has qualified for the Commonwealth Games, which is unheard of. You need to lean on those around you who have experience and they happen to be my teammates,' Evans said.
Choosing Scotland and aiming high
Despite her English upbringing and Welsh family roots, Evans chose to represent Scotland. 'My father's side of the family is Welsh, I'm born and raised in England, but I chose Scotland because Scots have given me everything. Scotland has made an athlete out of me, and I moved to Stirling to enjoy the sport again. Scotland has a really special place in my heart and I want to make Scotland proud,' she explained.
Reflecting on her Olympic debut in Paris, Evans admitted to nerves but expressed confidence in her form. 'The Olympics were weird for me, because that was my first team, so I just didn't know what to expect. The Scottish team is very close and there's a lot of pride in being Scottish. That's the difference between the Olympics and Commonwealths that people told me about.'
Consistent form and crowd support
Evans revealed that this season has been 'consistently fast,' which she considers important for her performance. However, she acknowledged the pressure from the home crowd. 'I struggle a lot with nerves, and the Scottish crowds will be behind every single Scot. That makes me nervous as I don't want to disappoint,' she said.
The swimming events will take place at Tollcross International Swimming Centre later this month, where Evans aims to deliver medal-winning performances for Team Scotland.
