David Wilkie, the celebrated British Olympic swimming champion, has died at the age of 70. The Scottish athlete, renowned for his gold medal win in the 200m breaststroke at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, also earned two Olympic silver medals and three world titles.

His family announced his passing with a statement: “It is with great sadness that the family of David Wilkie MBE announce that he died peacefully surrounded by his family this morning, following his brave battle with cancer.”

Born in Sri Lanka to Scottish parents, Wilkie’s swimming career began with a bronze at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. He secured Olympic silver in Munich in 1972 and World Championship gold in 1973. Wilkie’s remarkable achievements continued with three more Commonwealth medals in 1974, including two golds.

In 1975, he dominated the world stage with a double victory in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, earning him the British Sports Personality of the Year. His career peaked in Montreal, where he shattered the world record in the 200m breaststroke and took silver in the 100m. Unbeaten in the 200m for four years and the first British man to win Olympic gold in the pool in 68 years, Wilkie retired a month after the Games at age 22. He was awarded an MBE in 1977.