Hannah Miley: A dizzy whirl both in the pool and out

It HAS been really hectic recently. I was in Monaco two weeks ago, then at the British Championships, and I'm now training hard in Stirling before the Scottish Championships in Glasgow next week.

Then, in the middle of next month, the British team will be going to Japan for the holding camp prior to the World Championships in Shanghai. The swimming programme is one week, from 24-31 July. So it's been very busy, but really positive.

I won both the 200m and 400m individual medley at the Mare Nostrum Tour in Monaco, beating Kirsty Coventry (silver medallist in both medleys at the 2008 Olympic Games) into second place. My time of 4:35.89 in the 400m medley puts me third in the world rankings and that's a great boost before the Worlds.

At the British Championships in Sheffield I was particularly pleased with my bronze medal swim in the 200m breaststroke. My time - 2:28.95 - was my fastest in a textile suit. I had already gained my World Championship qualification at the first round of trials in Manchester in March, but it was great to be able to cheer some of the other Scots on. I was so happy when Robbie Renwick and David Carry made sure of their places in the team.

I think it is a very strong British team, and it will be terrific if we can land a few medals. But I know that the Chinese swimmers will be very strong - Li Xuanxu is the No 2 in the world in my 400m medley behind Spain's Mireia Belmonte.

It's also nice when some of the family get some treats through my swimming. My Dad (Patrick) is my coach so comes to most of the meets, but he could not make the trip to Monaco, so my Mum (Carmel) stepped in. She loved it and proved to be a great substitute. I couldn't do what I do without the support of all my family. My two younger brothers, Alastair and Joseph, are also members of the Garioch Club and very decent swimmers and it's great when you have so many people to spur you on.

After a tough few days in Stirling, I'm really looking forward to the Scottish Championships starting at Tollcross Leisure Centre next Thursday. It is always so cool to swim in front of a Scottish crowd and it will be a nice send-off before Shanghai.

As for the Worlds, it would be great to get a medal. I know it'll be very tough, but preparations have gone well. It's the last really big event before the 2012 Olympics - and by the time I get back it will be less than a year until London. Incredible.

l Hannah Miley, European and Commonwealth Games Champion in the 400m individual medley, is a member of Team Kellogg's.