Miley ready to throw herself back into matters ahead of busy year

The 28-year-old has picked up two golds and a bronze from her three Commonwealth experiences so far and has her mind set on adding to that collection.

The Swindon-born, Aberdeen-based swimmer finished eighth and ninth at the World Swimming Championships in Budapest last month but after a three-week break, Miley knows the task at hand.

"I've just had a bit of a break, I just got engaged as well so it has been a nice summer but I'm looking forward to getting back into training ahead of my next cycle and I'm fully focussed on the Commonwealth Games and then hopefully onto the Europeans in Glasgow," , who took on the role of tail walker for last Saturday's parkrun event in Carlisle as part of UK Sport's #teamparkrun initiative to allow elite athletes to say thank you to the public for their support.

"It's going to be a busy year but it's good because I'm starting off happy which is the main thing.

"The Commonwealths is my target and getting back in the pool in the next couple of days. I'd like to get more medals (at the Commonwealths) that's what I'm aiming for, it's always fun going to a Games and I want to try to get on the podium a couple of times, that would be nice.

"This will be my fourth Games, I guess time flies when you're having fun but it's hard to believe it was in 2006.

"We'll see how the Commonwealth Games go but I'd like to get to Tokyo 2020 but we have to take each year as it comes and be realistic about my goals and my ability in order to maintain my progression."

Miley is coached by her father Patrick and now trains at the 50m pool at the University of Aberdeen, something the swimmer hopes will make the difference at future meets.

It was a promising World Championships for Great Britain, collecting five golds in an 11-medal haul and Miley was impressed with their showing.

"I think British swimming is in a really strong position," she said. "It was great to see the team coming through, it was a fantastic competition.

"The World Championships were unreal, probably one of my favourite championships I've ever been to. The crowd were remarkable it was just like an Olympics and the fact we got medals from everywhere, the team did an amazing job.

"Having access to a long course pool in Aberdeen is fantastic and having my dad as full-time coach I think can only help.

"I've trained in a short course pool for many years and it's been great and made me the athlete I am today. But to have the opportunity to train long course makes a huge difference."

Sportsbeat 2017