Angharad Evans: Scotland's breakout star overcomes nerves

Angharad Evans, who describes herself as a "nervous swimmer" who dared not even think of winning a medal, ended the Commonwealth Games as Scotland's breakout star. She won double gold in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, plus a silver and a bronze in relays.

After a slow start, Evans powered to gold in the 200m breaststroke, adding to her 100m victory on the final night of swimming, where Scotland claimed four medals. Later, her superb second leg helped Scotland to silver in the women's 4x100m medley relay behind Australia – her fourth medal of the home Games.

Only one of her training partners at Stirling University, Duncan Scott, tipped her for big things in Glasgow. Even Evans did not believe. "It's been a big step forward in my career," Evans told BBC Scotland. "I don't hide from my nerves – it's something I'm very open about. I'm a very nervous swimmer but I proved to myself that even though I am nervous I can get medals individually and in relays, even when I'm tired on the last day."

Other Scottish swimmers also shone. Aberdeen's Toni Shaw won bronze in the women's S9 100m freestyle, replicating her medal from Birmingham four years ago. Keanna MacInnes added silver in the 200m butterfly, having also come second in the 100m, and played a part in the relay silver to take her total to three medals. She praised the crowd and noted the depth of the Scottish team, with multiple Scots in many finals.

Duncan Scott failed to defend his 200m freestyle title, missing the final after a demanding schedule.

In total, Scottish swimmers won 12 medals at the Commonwealth Games, including four golds.