It's a family affair as James Heatly makes history

Before the men’s 1m event yesterday, the only Scottish medallist previously in the sport in Commonwealth Games history had been his grandfather Sir Peter Heatly.

Peter, who passed away in 2015, won gold in the 10m and silver in the 3m events in 1950. Then in 1954, he took home bronze in the 10m and gold in the 3m and, in 1958, he picked up gold in the 10m.

James, 20, posted 399.25 points to finish third behind England’s Jack Laugher (438.00) and James Connor (412.45) on a day when Scotland’s medal haul reached 32, making it their most successful overseas Games ever.

He was cheered on at the Optus Aquatic Centre by Dad Robert, mum Debs, grandma Sheila, uncle Peter, auntie Jane and cousins Gary and Chris.

Robert said: “We are just so proud of what James has achieved because we know how much he has worked for this.

“Over the last few years he really has put in the hard yards to get to this stage. He has dedicated himself to his diving and sacrificed things along the way, but he just has a passion and a love for the sport that shines through in the way he performs.

“He battled hard for this medal and that is what he is, a battler. He always wants to get better and in this event he managed to do it on the big stage.

“I’d like to pay tribute to his coach Jen Leeming, who he has worked with him since 2012 and they have a great relationship.

“James often talks about his grandfather (Sir Peter Heatly) and took inspiration from the way that he dived back in the day.

“He was so chuffed that his grandpa got to see him compete at Glasgow 2014 and, although he is no longer with us he would have been so proud of what James has done.

“With Lucas Thomson making the 1m final too it is also a great occasion for Edinburgh Diving Club.”