Hannah Miley goes extra mile at Grangemouth

Hannah Miley has had plenty to celebrate over the last couple of weeks. She won the British 400m individual medley title and secured selection for her third successive Olympic Games in Rio this summer to confirm she is one of '¨Scotland's best-ever female swimmers.
Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley took time out to instruct pupils in the Falkirk area.Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley took time out to instruct pupils in the Falkirk area.
Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley took time out to instruct pupils in the Falkirk area.

The Commonwealth Games and World Championship medallist also found time to help the next generation of Scottish swimmers and she took time out from her busy schedule to inspire and instruct school pupils in the Falkirk area.

As a Watermans Ambassador, Miley spent time at Grangemouth High School helping to hone the skills of members of FIRST Swimming Club, who attend primary and secondary schools in and around Falkirk, Grangemouth, Bo’ness, Larbert and Linlithgow.

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“Having Hannah in for a session is amazing for the kids,” said FIRST head coach Monica Borland. “It’s a fantastic opportunity because Hannah is such a huge role model for everyone in Scotland.”

Hannah’s masterclass for youngsters aged 10-16 included instruction on butterfly and breaststroke skills, and she also concentrated on improving the all-important turns.

With former member Duncan
Scott (a former pupil of Strathallan School) also being named in the Team GB 
Olympic squad – he is the first Olympian from FIRST – the club also had extra reason to celebrate this week.

The 18-year-old British 100m freestyle champion joined the Falkirk composite club from Alloa before he was a teenager – this season he has moved on to the University of Stirling.

At a post-swimming question and answer session, Miley stressed the need for hard work. “I was 16 when I started to take swimming really seriously,” she explained. “Now it takes up 38-40 hours a week. In addition, I have Pilates and rock-climbing sessions. Saturday is my only day off.”

She also revealed that she nearly gave up swimming after the London Olympics, when she went into the Games as a medal hopeful but finished fifth. “I did consider stepping down,” said the 26-year-old, who is coached by her Dad, Patrick. “I was under a lot of pressure, expecting 
a medal.

“But I didn’t feel ready to stop. This time, I have taken more ownership of my swimming. Instead of being told what to do, I decide more about my 
programme.”

The youngsters were keen to know how she would prepare for her third Games. “Between now and Rio I am going to focus more on speed work,” said the Garioch swimmer. “I did a lot of endurance work over the winter. It’s also important to get outside a lot – walking the dogs and getting out in the sun. Most important, I have to stay injury-free.”

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Of course, there are always some off-beat questions, and Larbert Village Primary pupil Lucas Grieve, a 12–year-old who set personal bests at this month’s Scottish National Age Group Championships in 
Glasgow wondered if Hannah ever fancies taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.

“No, I can’t dance,” joked Hannah. “But one thing that is on my bucket list is to swim in every pool that has hosted an Olympics. I’ve got a few to go.”

Finally, she dealt out some serious advice to the Scots that want to follow in her footsteps. “Always listen to your coach,” she said. “He or she will teach you all that’s important and they will always be there for you. So remember to say thank you.

“Also, own your sport. You are the person who has to get up early in the morning for training – and you can also do such more to help your swimming.

“Nowadays, you can access live streaming of events all around the world – watch and learn. Take a real interest and become a student of your sport.”