Commonwealth Games 2014: Scotland swimmer Daniel Wallace cries for freedom Braveheart style after winning gold

Daniel Wallace celebrates his gold medal finish

Scotland's Daniel Wallace won gold in the 400m individual medley after a superb last 50m duel with South Africa's Sebastien Rousseau. There was more to cheer for the home fans by the way Daniel celebrated his victory.

The 21-year old shouted 'For freedom' as he slapped the water after his win. He is the first Scottish athlete to express his views regarding next month's independence vote.

Daniel had watched the 1995 movie Braveheart hours before his victory. "I yelled at the top of my lungs "for freedom" because being here, in front of my home crowd, really brought the Braveheart and Scot inside of me out," Daniel said.

"I just thought I'd soak up the moment."

The movie, nominated for 10 and winner of 5 Oscars at the 68th Annual Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography grossed $210 million at the box-office.

The Mel Gibson starrer tells a story about a commoner named William Wallace who leads an army of Scottish warriors against the English tyrant to avenge the death of his wife and free his country.

Daniel, who shares his last name with Mel Gibson’s character in the film did a rendition of the famous scene in which the protagonist inspires a group of Scottish army men who were willing to run and live than fight an die against the English.

The political significance of this movie is greater now that a referendum on whether Scotland should be an independent country is due on September 18 this year.

Scotland and England formed the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707 and this 307-year-old alliance could come to an end next month.

British, Commonwealth and European Union Citizens of Scotland will be asked a simple question "Should Scotland be an independent country?" to which they have to reply with a yes or no.

However, Daniel did not sing the national anthem during the medal presentation ceremony. He has become a bit of a celebrity with crowds thronging to see what he does next in the further events that he participates in.

youtube-cover

Here is the famous Freedom speech from Braveheart:

youtube-cover

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now