HANNAH Miley has so many medals she doesn’t know where to keep them anymore, although there will always be space for the one she prizes most this summer.
Miley’s victory in the 200m medley at last night’s British Swimming Championships was her 14th British title, and she’s unbeaten in her signature discipline at national level in six years.
In addition to securing Olympic selection, she leaves London with the world leading times in both the 200m and 400m medley.
“Knowing how many medals I’ve won makes me feel very old,” said Miley, who will turn 23 during the Olympics.
“I knew this would be a big race. I am just so happy we could all go fast. Some of the younger girls have done personal bests so they are getting closer.”
Elsewhere, Grant Turner was third fastest into tonight’s 100m freestyle final – clocking 49.67 seconds.
But he needs to secure a top-two finish and go quicker than 48.62, which would represent a big personal best, to secure his Olympic place.
“I have just been sitting at home and watching the racing on TV and feeling pumped so I just wanted to get here and soak it all up,” he said.
“I’m feeling good, I’ve posted a good time and still have stuff left in the tank. I just want to get involved and see what happens.”
Meanwhile, Jazz Carlin refused to be downbeat after failing to secure an Olympic slot in the 200m freestyle.
Rebecca Turner took gold to book her London 2012 ticket but second placed Caitlin McClatchey failed to achieve the qualifying standard, which means the slot will stay open until June’s winner takes all ASA Nationals in Sheffield.
Carlin placed a distant sixth, but remains positive.
“It’s all about the 800m freestyle for me now – that is what I came here to do, the 400m and 800m,” she said.
“I’m disappointed because you want to perform at your best and I’ve not been able to do that but the 200m was always going to be tough for me because my training has been focussed on longer distances.
“On a positive, there is still a spot open in the 200m and I’ve got time to prepare and get my training right.”
Fellow Swindon swimmer Tilly Gray made it through to the women’s 200m butterfly final which takes place tonight, and Chippenham’s Stephanie Millward finished sixth in the women’s MC 100m freestyle.
Kellogg’s has been supporting British Swimming for more than 15 years on a ‘grassroots to gold medals’ programme of swimming. For more information visit www.kelloggs.co.uk/freeswim.
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