London Olympics 2012: Scot Hannah Miley books place in final in hunt for gold

Scottish swimmer Hannah Miley remains one of Britain’s best hopes for Olympic gold after booking a place in tonight’s final of the 400 metres individual medley.

Miley, Aberdeen’s David Carry and the women’s sprint freestyle relay will provide home representation in tonight’s swimming finals after a morning session during which the Queen made an appearance.

Miley won her heat in four minutes and 34.98 seconds at the Aquatics Centre, but the task facing the 22-year-old in the final was made clear in the following race when American world champion Elizabeth Beisel lowered the textile world record to 4mins 31.66secs.

Miley is relishing the challenge. She said: “I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully, I’ll get clear of this lactic acid that’s sitting in my system and enjoy tonight.”

Carry, 30, said reaching the 400m freestyle final was “a dream come true” after finishing second in his heat.

His fellow Scot Robbie Renwick missed out on the final though, finishing 10th overall.

Meanwhile, Britain’s Mark Cavendish was involved in an absorbing cycling road race, hoping to be in the leading pack for a sprint to the line on The Mall later this afternoon.

A 12-man escape group was followed by a dangerous chase group.

However, Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, road captain David Millar and Ian Stannard, riding in front of Cavendish, rode at their team leader’s pace, content they could keep the deficit to a manageable margin.