Alexander set for a hero's welcome (From Witney Gazette)

Alexander set for a hero's welcome

12:35pm Tuesday 28th March 2006 in Witney By Nione Meakin

SWIMMER Alexander Scotcher whose team took gold in the Commonwealth Games' 200m freestyle relay is set for a hero's welcome when he returns to Clanfield.

The village was so delighted by Alex's success they decorated the home of his parents, Chris and Judith, with bunting and flags to greet them on their return from watching the games in Melbourne.

Mr Scotcher said they were astounded by the effort people had put in.

He said: "We certainly weren't expecting any of it. People must have seen the event and conspired about what they wanted to do.

"We have lots of chums who were watching the race, who have phoned or sent an email of congratulations.

"It's been very touching."

"We have lots of chums who were watching the race, who have phoned or sent an email of congratulations."

Alexander Scotcher's father, Chris

Alex plans to briefly return to the village, before the family fly out to the States for the wedding of his older brother, Miles.

Mr Scotcher said there would undoubtably be a lot of celebration, but added: "Whether we manage to ride around the village in an open-topped tractor remains to be seen!"

He said the atmosphere following the race was electric.

He said: "We were sitting there just getting over the fact the team had won. They had big screens around the venue, and I think Alex was doing some kind of lunatic dance with his mates at the end of the pool.

"He was over the moon."

It was the first time any nation but Australia has won since the event was introduced in 1970.

Alex, who has been swimming competitively since he was a child, is completing a masters degree in European politics at Loughborough University, and has said he eventually hopes to work for the European Union or the Foreign Office.

His father said the race was likely to be his last major competition.

"I think it would be fair to say that he's trying to work through what he would like to do next.

"I think he just wants to wrap up his dissertation and get his masters degree at the moment."

Alex, originally from Aldershot, began his career at Bracknell Swimming Club, where coach Rosa Gallop spotted his potential.

He stayed with the club until he went to Loughborough, a university he chose due to its status as a centre of excellence for British swimming. He then trained with the Loughborough training squad, both as an undergraduate and post-graduate.