Three months apart, two dreams achieved.
Mark Campbell has his bags packed for Australia and the Commonwealth Games but that is not the first sporting success story in the family this year.
In January his brother Paul got to live out his own childhood fantasy as he donned the black and white stripes of Fraserburgh for their Scottish Cup tie against Rangers.
Swimmer Mark was in the crowd at Bellslea to watch that night and will have his own moment in the spotlight next month when he jumps into the pool for Team Scotland.
Campbell said: “It’s been a pretty big start to the year for both of us. It was a dream come true for Paul to play against his childhood team. We would have liked a better result but he was on the pitch and they gave a good account of themselves. Bellslea was a great venue for it.
“I’ve not been to his games as much recently – I’ve just shifted house, so that’s taken up most of my weekends doing DIY.
“He will probably tell you that’s the biggest achievement of the two but the Commonwealths is definitely bigger.”
Younger brother Paul came off the bench against the Ibrox club, with Josh Windass’ hat-trick ending the Broch’s cup fairytale. If their run to the fourth round was unexpected, for Mark booking his ticket to the Gold Coast was not exactly on the agenda either.
After failing to make Glasgow 2014, he cut down his training hours and turned into more of a “social swimmer”, rather than one intent on chasing accolades. The camaraderie of his clubmates at Aberdeen Dolphins and the fitness benefits of getting in the water were enough for him.
Going to a major multi-sport event was not part of his plans but as his times kept improving, even with the reduced practise time, it became closer to his grasp.
Campbell said: “I was disappointed not to make it last time. Training partners and friends from down south made the team and I missed out by 0.1 of a second.
“That probably changed my mindset towards swimming – it’s not the be all and end all. Life goes on.
“I took my training hours down to four, when they were up near 20 in the pool and in the gym. I had to fit it in round work. Doing less has helped and getting the extra rest has worked. I’m swimming faster than I ever have.
“I was in the pool in Aberdeen one day and just thought to myself that I might have a chance of making the team. The experience of going down to trials last time definitely helped and I wasn’t nervous. I knew what it would take.”
He gives a lot of credit to the aquatics centre at Aberdeen Sports Village, which opened in May 2014 and has hosted several national swimming meets.
It has cut down Campbell’s travel commitments and means he has top-class facilities on his own doorstep. Thanks is also given to his mother, Janice, who put in the hours with him from an early age, not just in transporting him to and from the pool but also standing by the steps, pushing him on length by length.
He said: “She was my coach when we were in Peterhead and when I moved to Aberdeen for university, she did the early mornings taking me to training. The support from all the family has been incredible.”
The 26-year-old, who works in sales for Schlumberger, will not be looking beyond his own race, the 50m breaststroke. Thoughts of sightseeing with his girlfriend Down Under after the Games have been benched, let alone thoughts of going for a second tilt in 2022.
Campbell said: “There’s been a buzz around the club. I’m one of the oldest guys on the team – most of the others are university age. It’s difficult to get into the British squad for things like the world championships and the Olympics, because you’ve got guys like Adam Peaty who will take a space regardless.
“As difficult as it’s going to be, I don’t want to think about anything else. Scotland are stronger in the 100 and 200 events, so the 50 works out well for me.”