OLYMPIC swimmer Michael Jamieson returned to his former school to inspire the next generation of promising athletes.

The London 2012 silver medallist also thanked staff at Glasgow School of Sport who helped him become the school's first-ever medal winner at Olympic level.

Michael is an ambassador for Glasgow 2014, and is targeting selection for his second Commonwealth Games.

The 25-year-old from Robroyston won a silver medal at the Delhi 2010 Games and is going for Gold at Glasgow 2014.

Last week, he launched the Glasgow 2014 ticketing process by diving into the newly refurbished 50m pool at Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Michael gave an inspirational talk to pupils at the School of Sport and first-year pupils at Bellahouston Academy.

Afterwards, he spent time with the coaching team that directed him during his six years at the school.

He told pupils they all had the potential to experience the thrill of sporting success and the "whirlwind" that follows such an experience.

Michael said: "When I was a youngster it was all about getting to the top of my game and winning medals, it was around 2007 when it became a realistic target.

"I prepared to win a medal at the Olympic Games and it was phenomenal to achieve that. With Glasgow 2014 on the horizon that's at the forefront of my mind and I'm preparing now to win another medal, this time I'm aiming for gold.

"It was fantastic to return to the school and thank the director Angie Porter and the coaching team, without them I wouldn't be an Olympian."

Since first opening its doors in 1999, Glasgow School of Sport has helped develop and nurture some of Scotland's top young athletes and sports stars.

The school has five sport specialisms - athletics, badminton, gymnastics, hockey and swimming.

Angie Porter, director of Glasgow School of Sport, said: "Michael never fails to impress.

"He hit the spotlight in Delhi, took our breath away in London and now we look forward to him competing at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"He is blazing a trail for the School of Sport and all the young athletes who want to emulate him, particularly our swimmers who are following in his footsteps."

The Glasgow School of Sport was Scotland's first school dedicated to sporting excellenceand was developed at Bellahouston Academy.

It is the only school in Great Britain which helps up and coming sports stars to become better at their chosen sport.

The School of Sport was set up in 1999 and is funded by the Scottish Government.

NICOLA STURGEON - PAGE 16