A street art swimming pool has been opened in Glasgow by Olympic gold medallist David Wilkie ahead of the IPC Swimming World Championships in the city ©Glasgow 2015

Olympic 200 metres breaststroke gold medallist David Wilkie has opened a street art swimming pool in Glasgow’s city centre ahead of this month's International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Swimming World Championships at Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Wilkie, whose victory came at Montreal 1976, was joined by Scott Quin, who has been picked to represent Britain in the Championship due to open on July 13. 

Quin represents Edinburgh’s Warrender Club, where Wilkie also trained.

"To have a legend like David Wilkie here today to support us is a real inspiration and it’s great seeing so many people turn out," said Quin.

"It’s encouraging going into the Worlds.

"We really need the home crowd to come along and support us this year.”

Montreal 1976 Olympic gold medallist David Wilkie was joined by Scot Quin, a member of Britain's team for the IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, to unveil the special piece of street art
Montreal 1976 Olympic gold medallist David Wilkie was joined by Scot Quin, a member of Britain's team for the IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, to unveil the special piece of street art ©Glasgow 2015

The IPC Swimming World Championships is the biggest aquatics event outside of the Paralympic Games and brings together more than 580 swimmers from nearly 70 countries.

"The IPC Swimming World Championships are one of the major events in the swimming calendar and it’s great to see the people of Glasgow come out today to show their support for the event and for our Para-swimmers ahead of this summer’s Championships," said Wilkie.

"The Commonwealth Games last year was massive for sport and Para-swimming in Glasgow and we will all be looking forward to the famous ‘Tollcross Roar’ that drove so many of the home athletes to success.

"It will be an unforgettable experience.”

Tickets for the event, which is scheduled to last until July 19, are on general sale and can be purchased by clicking here. 



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