TEENAGER Sam Downie has been nominated by Scottish Swimming to be considered for Team Scotland selection at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

His record-breaking season has already seen him selected to represent Great Britain in the World Championships in Madeira next month, but qualification for this summer’s Commonwealth Games would be the “icing on the cake”.

The 16-year-old has swum since the age of eight, representing East Lothian Swim Team and Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club, but now hopes to represent Scotland in his favoured backstroke as one of the country’s youngest competitors.

Downie was delighted with the nomination and “struggled to put into words” how it felt.

He told Courier Sport: “I can’t describe how I feel, it’s a good feeling and really exciting, but I still need to wait and see and hopefully my place will be confirmed.

“I didn’t think it was possible to make it this year, I thought it was too late to post qualifying times – so I was quite surprised.”

He added that it was special to be included in a list of athletes who had Olympic and Worlds experience, including Duncan Scott.

READ MORE: Swim star Sam Downie off to the World Championships

Downie, who lives in Portobello, has caudal regression syndrome, a condition that mainly affects his back and the lower half of the body.

He has previously competed in the S8 category but would step up to S9 backstroke if selected, a category for more physically able and traditionally faster para-athletes, a testament to his swimming prowess.

He added: “I feel it’s such a confidence boost to move up a class.

“At this stage I’m more there just for the experience and to see how the major athletes train at the top level.”

Gillian Downie, Sam’s mum, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Sam, the season he has had, you couldn’t write it. Out of lockdown, Sam has gone from strength to strength and [the nomination] really is the icing on the cake.”

The final announcement of the Commonwealth Games squad is due to take place next week.