Milne targets return to Olympic Games
When the time comes to hang up the goggles, Stephen Milne will sit back and be proud of what he has achieved in the sport.
But the Perth swimmer knows he still has plenty left in the tank and will give his all to earn selection for the Tokyo Olympics.
The event, postponed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is scheduled to take place in Japan this summer.
Milne has previous experience of gliding through the water at the Olympic Games and returned from Rio de Janeiro with a memorable silver medal in 2016.
Now 26, his drive and determination to compete at the top level has not diminished.
“Everybody’s dream is to get to the Olympics,” said Milne, who has an eye firmly on the British Swimming Championships in April. “It’s going to be tough but that is always how it is.
“That is how it should be. It should never be easy. I will be determined to make the team and will do the very best I can.
“I look back on my swimming career and appreciate everything I’ve been able to achieve and the support I’ve had.
“No matter what happens, I’m pleased with how it has gone. What I’ve done so far can’t be taken away from me.
“But I would still love the opportunity to make the team and do it all again at the biggest sporting event on the calendar.
“For me personally, I’m not 100 per cent sure when I’ll hang up my goggles professionally.
“Right now with competitive swimming, I’ll do what I can and take each day as it comes. Hopefully I get to where I want to in the next few years. Then I’ll see how I feel about everything.”
Milne, a life member of Perth City Swim Club, last year made the move to train with the elite swimmers at Stirling University.
He feels in a strong position to continually better himself, noting: “It’s been a nice new way of looking at training.
“In this set-up, it’s a much bigger group of seniors and we are all doing the same thing. It’s 20 hours of swimming a week and then in the gym. It’s been a real joy to be able to train with these guys.
“We all have a lot in common. We all enjoy hard work and all have similar aspirations.
“I feel really fortunate that I’ve been able to continue my training.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has, however, resulted in no competitive action. But that hasn’t dampened motivation.
Milne told the PA: “The International Swim League was on - but I didn’t participate.
“We have been doing some time trials in the pool on our own. It’s the same piece of water whether a small or big competition.
“The time trials help you see where you are at. You get a feel of how you’re progressing.
“You should be able to push yourself even if you are not competing. Everyone still has a plan and is sticking to it.
“There is a vision of where everyone wants to be a few months from now.
“Freestyle remains my number one stroke. I’m trying to be the best I can be with all the distances - endurance and sprint work.
“I’m keeping my options open.”
I look back on my career and appreciate everything I’ve been able to achieve