Commonwealth Games Medallist Daniel Wallace Divides Critics Over 'Freedom' Cry

Should Daniel Wallace Have Shouted 'Freedom'?

Gold medal winning swimmer Daniel Wallace has back-stroked on his cry of "freedom!" when he touched home first at the Commonwealth games, insisting it was not political.

But many on social media had criticised the Edinburgh 21-year-old who won the 400 metres individual medley at

Tollcross.

Daniel Wallace of Scotland celebrates winning the gold medal in the Men's 400m

Some said that the cry was "inappropriate" given some of the international conflicts with people struggling for their freedom, when Scotland is preparing for a peaceful referendum on September 18.

Others said that it was a shame if Wallace had been made to cover up his political persuasion.

The Scot, who trains in Florida, admitted he had watched Braveheart last week when he copied Hollywood actor Mel Gibson's line from the movie as he shouted "for freedom!" in celebration as he claimed gold.

He said: "This means everything to me and my family. It's been such a long journey from when I was just a wee kid swimming in Scotland to now being top at the Commonwealth Games, it's absolutely amazing and means the world to us all.

Gold medallist Daniel Wallace of Scotland poses after the medal ceremony

"I knew I could do something really special in that race last night and that I knew that it was going to take a special performance from me to pull through at the end but I believed in myself, my family believed in me and the rest of Team Scotland did as well so I think together we proved anything is possible."

Talking about his celebration, he said: "That came from the bottom of my heart, it was just such a patriotic moment for me and the whole of Team Scotland and I thought I would just soak up the moment and just really enjoy it and take it in."

Elsewhere in the pool on Friday, Scotland's Corrie Scott claimed bronze in the women's one-length butterfly contest.

The 20-year-old from Bellshill claimed a podium place with a time of 30.75 seconds in a race where two of her Scotland team-mates - Kathryn Johnstone and Andrea Strachan - had also made the final.

She said: "I'm so excited and so overwhelmed and feel amazed that I got this bronze medal.

"It was so good being there with Kathryn and Andrea, we train together every day, me and Andrea live together and I'm so proud that all three of us got to be in that final.

"My family were so pleased for me, they probably didn't expect me to get a medal either so they were all crying and in tears."

Scott said the buzz amongst the Scottish swimmers was "absolutely amazing".

"We are all such a close knit team and Dan's gold medal last night meant everyone was so inspired. Everyone today is getting in the pool and wanting to replicate what Dan did last night. It does spur you on so much," she said.

20th Commonwealth Games - Opening Ceremony

Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony

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