Scotland's Scott dips toes in Phelps territory

Scottish flier Duncan Scott, who captured a stunning Commonwealth Games 100 metres freestyle gold at the weekend, stepped out of his comfort zone to reach Tuesday's 200m individual medley final.

The 20-year-old won his heat in the fourth fastest time overall on the final day of the Gold Coast swimming in his first attempt at an event Michael Phelps used to own, bagging gold at the last four Olympics.

"I had a day off yesterday to get my head together, put the 100m free to the side and try and step up and do something new," Scott told AFP after clocking two minutes, 0.44 seconds.

"I've never competed in this event, I'm learning every time I do it," he added, after finishing behind Aussies Mitch Larkin and Clyde Lewis and countryman Daniel Wallace on the time sheets.

Scott produced the upset of the six-day Commonwealth Games swimming meet by edging out Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers and South African superstar Chad le Clos in the sport's blue riband event, but has yet to properly celebrate.

"I had to put it to bed and try to get some sleep," smiled Scott, who has also pocketed three bronze medals in a breakout meet. "I'll celebrate after tonight."
"Tonight is the main event, so I'm going to rest up as best I can today and try and do a good one."