Double medal joy for Miley in Budapest

The 21-year-old, who claimed a gold medal in the 400m medley on the opening night, produced an impressive freestyle leg to battle her way on to the podium in the 200m medley, before returning to claim a second medal in the 4x200m relay.

Miley spoke before these championships of having a score to settle, following her European long course debut in the Hungarian capital in 2006 ended with a best of seventh in the 400m medley. But, after collecting her third medal this week in Budapest - Miley admitted she was blown away with her performances this week.

"This is just unreal, I have never come away with so many medals from an international meet, the most I have had previously is one," said Miley. "Even last time I was here all I got was a silver medal at the European juniors so to come away with gold and two bronze medals is strange - I'm just thinking 'where did that come from?'

"I'm finally starting to feel like a proper senior athlete at these meets and I am more experienced and surer of myself and I know how to handle things and just taking things in my stride.

"I am still learning but I am now taking more control rather than just letting it happen."

Hungary's Katinka Hosszu took the gold in the medley in a new championships record of 2.10.09 minutes, with fellow team-mate Evelyn Verraszto took the silver. France's Camille Muffat looked to have the bronze medal secured in the final 100m until Miley's memorable final freestyle leg saw her wrestle the last podium position.

The Scot clocked an impressive time of 2.10.89 minutes as she continued her spectacular form in Budapest.

Miley returned to the pool to produce a memorable performance on the third leg of the 4x200m relay in the last race of the night. But for a below-par showing from Rebecca Adlington on the opening leg, the British quartet made up of Miley, Jaz Carlin and Jo Jackson could and should have exchanged bronze for gold.

Miley added: "I am so pleased with everything, not just for myself but also for my dad as well because finally it is all coming together and all our mad techniques are working. We don't have the easiest environment to work in and it is not the best pool but it works and it is great to come away with all these medals as proof that as mad and crazy as it all is it definitely works for us two."

n British Gas is the Principal Partner of British Swimming, and have pledged 15m to support the sport at all levels, from paddling pool to podium. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming