Perthshire swimmer Evan Davidson earns GB and Scotland selections for summer competition

Perthshire swimmer Evan Davidson is preparing for a busy summer.

The 16-year-old, a Strathallan student who is also a familiar face at Perth City Swim Club, has been selected for two high-profile meets.

First he will represent Team GB at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Maribor, Slovenia, in July.

Evan will join more than 3000 athletes from 48 countries for the 17th edition of the summer showpiece which runs from July 23-29.

This will be a second successive European Youth Olympic Festival appearance. Last year he competed in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.

The event is said to play a vital role in providing aspiring young Olympians with a fantastic multi-sport experience.

In August, Evan will then represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

Speaking of his selection, Evan, who is from Forgandenny, said: “It’s an honour to be selected for the European Youth Olympics and the Commonwealth Youth Games.

“Competing at the European Youth Olympics last year in Slovakia was a huge moment for me personally and I’ve learnt a lot since then.

“I hope I can now do my best for both Great Britain and Scotland this summer and race at my peak.”

Evan, one of the youngest GB swimmers selected for EYOF last year, has had a phenomenal season and became Scottish Junior champion at the Scottish National and Open Swimming Championships.

He also gained a massive personal best in the 400m IM at the British Swimming Junior Final in April.

Since the summer Evan, who swims for Perth City Swim Club in competition, has gained invaluable experience swimming for Team Scotland at the Geneva International and racing for Team GB in Toronto where he won silver in the 4x200m.

Director for Swimming at Strathallan School,