The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Olympian and Commonwealth swimming champion Hannah Miley gives a coaching session in Perth. Picture: Mhairi Edwards.
Hannah Miley takes time to coach next generation of champions
Tayside youngsters enjoyed a once-in-alifetime afternoon with Olympian and double Commonwealth champion Hannah Miley when she delivered a coaching session yesterday.
Miley, who has just returned from her fifth World Championships in Budapest, worked with the budding amateurs on their stroke technique, turning skills and more at Perth Leisure Centre.
The event, which was supported by Miley’s main sponsor, legal firm Watermans, also saw her discuss her career to date and deliver advice on how nutrition and a positive mindset can elevate an athlete.
All 18 swimmers taking part were from local amateur swim clubs with Perth City Swim Club, Kinross Otters, Montrose Seals, Blairgowrie Dolphins and Menzieshill Whitehall, Dundee, attending.
Hannah said she was excited by the prospect of coaching.
“I love hosting these sessions and, in a fun way, I really want to show that while putting in the hours in the pool is important, there’s so much more to it if you plan to succeed at the top of the sport,” she said.
“It’s great to work with kids at this age because attitude and commitment are more important than athleticism when you’re in your early teens.
“If I’ve got that message across then it should stand them in good stead for the future.”
Zoe Davidson, a 10-year-old swimmer who attended with the Blairgowrie Dolphins, said: “It was amazing to spend some time learning from Hannah in the pool. She is one of the best swimmers in the world and a role model of mine, so I’ll never forget it.”
Miley has gained the qualification standard required for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia and now awaits final selection to be confirmed by Team Scotland at the end of this summer.
On Friday she announced her engagement to her long-term partner Euan Duff, who proposed to the 27-yearold at Edinburgh Zoo.