Milne in lane for his World Champs test Perth swimmer delighted to secure Budapest selection
The hard work begins now for Perth swimmer and Olympian Stephen Milne.
British Swimming announced their 29-strong team for the World Championships earlier this week and again the Perth City Swim Club member has been given the nod.
The selection comes off the back of the British Swimming Championships where Milne secured silver in the 400m freestyle and bronze in the 1500m freestyle.
After the high of last year’s Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, the 22-yearold admits it was a challenge to get back into the swing of things.
But his season goal of making the worlds, this year being held in Budapest, has been achieved.
“I was happy to hear the news that I had made the selection for the World Championships and I’m feeling pretty positive,” Milne told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“Overall, making the team was my goal and I’ve done that, so I’m pleased. I made the time for the Commonwealth Games too so it was a positive experience at the British Championships.
“It was going to be tough to make the team, especially post Olympics when everyone has mixed feelings. It can be hard to get back into the swing of things.
“Most athletes will have mixed emotions about an Olympic Games, whether it was a positive experience or a negative one.
“It’s every four years and I knew you would need to pick yourself up after it.
“Trying to get back into training has been quite challenging but my coach Ann is good at organising and planning for the next four year cycle.
“I spoke with Ann on Wednesday and I think I was philosophical about things and ready to listen a bit more. She was very positive and said it’s about getting back to the hard work and focusing on our goals.”
Milne knows Team GB selection can never be taken for granted and he will be out to put on a show in Hungary this July.
“It never gets easy competing in these big events,” he said. “It’s always tough and an opportunity where you don’t want to make a mistake.
“The best in the world will be there and everyone will be wanting to do a decent job. I hope to do the same and I’ll make sure I’ve analysed everything from the trials to prepare myself as best as possible.
“I know some people who were at the Olympics haven’t made the team for the Worlds, so I’m glad I’m still in a position where I have made the team. Milne will compete at the World Championships in Budapest this summer
“I feel I still have a lot to learn. I feel there are things I can improve on. We’re going on a training camp with British Swimming to focus on specific skills so that will be a good opportunity.”
Last week’s British Championships performance also secured Milne a consideration time for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
“I’ve made a consideration time for the Commonwealth Games Gold Coast to represent Scotland, for the 400m at least,” Milne said.
“The trials were the first of three chances to make the qualifying time so there are other opportunities. It’s nice to know I’ve got something under my belt.”
The positive news for Perth City Swim Club continued this week when Scott McLay (17) was selected to compete in the European Junior Championships in Netanya, Israel from June 28 to July 2.