Commonwealth Games: Hannah Miley at the double

GLASGOW’S Tollcross International Centre has undergone a makeover in preparation for next year’s Commonwealth Games, but it was business as usual for Hannah Miley yesterday as she retained two titles on the opening day of the Scottish Gas National Open Championships.

The 23-year-old double Olympian cruised to a two-second victory over Megan Gilchrist (Armadale) in 2:01.07 in the 200 metres freestyle, and it was even easier in her favourite 400m individual medley, as she won in 4:41.74.

With the World Championships coming up in Sheffield in two weeks’ time, a sense of loyalty drew the Garioch swimmer to the Scottish Championships. “But training is still the main priority this week so she’s deciding her programme almost day to day,” said her father and coach, Patrick Miley. “She’s entered lots of events but the World Championship trials are very close.”

Emily Jones (Aberdeen) produced a final surge to win the 100m butterfly in 1:01.43, and the teenager couldn’t have been happier. “I’m so excited to be back competing at Tollcross,” said the 18-year-old. “I’ve got great memories of racing in this pool when I was very young and I always feel at home.

“I was delighted with the swim. I’m off to Majorca next week for a club training camp and then it will be the World Championship trials in Sheffield. My goal there will be to make finals.”

Jak Scott (Stirling) claimed the 100m freestyle gold in 50.94sec as he continued his comeback from last year’s Olympic disappointment.

In the absence of Olympic silver medallist Michael Jamieson, it was a one-two for Edinburgh University in the 200m breaststroke. Nicholas Quinn was first in 2:15.74, with Calum Tait taking silver in 2:17.50.

Charlotte McKenzie (FIRST), 17, has already made Glasgow 2014 qualifying times in the backstroke and won the 50m event in 29.45.