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Youngsters soak up Hannah’s top tips

Olympian coaches Blairgowri­e Dolphins in Perth

- Ross Gardiner

Excited youngsters enjoyed an unforgetta­ble training experience with Olympian and double Commonweal­th champion swimmer Hannah Miley when she delivered a coaching session on Sunday.

Hannah, who has recently returned from competing at her fifth World Championsh­ips in Budapest, worked with the members of Blairgowri­e Dolphins on their stroke technique, turning skills and more at her Watermans masterclas­s at Perth Leisure Pool as well as discussing her career.

The Olympian explained the benefits of nutrition and having a positive mindset to the 18-strong group.

She said: “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.

“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.”

Blairgowri­e Dolphins member Zoe Davidson (10) 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.”

Hannah 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.

Scott Whyte, managing director of legal firm Watermans – the top athlete’s main sponsor – said: “Hannah’s work ethic has been pivotal to her success at the elite level of swimming and we think it is important to provide a platform to pass on her experience­s and knowledge to potential future stars.

“She is passionate about helping Scotland’s next generation and the chance to spend some time in the pool with Hannah has hopefully proven invaluable to them.”

In addition to the east Perthshire club, Perth City Swim Club, Kinross Otters, Montrose Seals and Menzieshil­l Whitehall from Dundee were all represente­d.

 ??  ?? Pool promise Hannah Miley enjoys a training session with the Blairgowri­e Dolphins. Picture: Graeme
Pool promise Hannah Miley enjoys a training session with the Blairgowri­e Dolphins. Picture: Graeme
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