BRITISH Olympic champion David Wilkie has died aged 70.
The Scottish swimmer sadly passed away after a battle with cancer.
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David Wilkie has died aged 70 Credit: Getty
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Wilkie battled cancerCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow
Wilkie’s family released a heartbreaking statement announcing his death.
It said: “It is with great sadness that the family of David Wilkie MBE announce that he died peacefully surrounded by his family this morning, after a courageous battle with cancer.”
During his career, Wilkie won three Olympic medals and three world championship titles.
The Scot won the 200m breaststroke in Montreal in 1976, as well as a pair of silver medals.
His gold in Montreal was a remarkable achievement in which he broke the existing 200m breaststroke record by more than three seconds.
Aged just 22 when he achieved the record, Wilkie’s effort lasted another five years before it was bettered.
And the Sri Lankan-born star was happy to rest on that success, retiring just a month after the 1976 Olympics.
Wilkie’s achievements were recognized in 1977 when he was awarded an MBE for his work as a swimmer.
He also earned himself a place in the top three of the BBC Sports Person of the Year twice in 1975 and 1976.
He is believed to be the only person to hold the British, American, Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic swimming titles at the same time.
His life after hanging up his goggles was also impressive as he became a successful businessman, opening Pets’ Kitchen, which offers nutritious food for pets.
Wilkie’s son Adam said: “My dad was a truly wonderful man, father and husband.
“He accomplished so much in life and those who knew him will never forget his love of life, kindness and wonderful sense of humor.”
And Team GB paid tribute to the swimming sensation at X, writing: “Swimming legend David Wilkie has died aged 70.
“David won Olympic gold in the 200m breaststroke in Montreal in 1976, as well as multiple world and European titles. Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends.”
While another British swimming icon and Olympic medalist Sharron Davies posted her tribute to Wilkies.
She wrote on X: “So sad to hear of the loss of Olympic champion, breaststroke superstar, my first crush and definitely inspiration, proud Scotsman David Wilkie who died earlier today, rest in peace old friend x.”
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Wilkie won Olympic gold and silver in 1976. Credit: Getty
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He is believed to be the only person to hold the British, US, Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic swimming titles at the same timeCredit: Getty
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