Favourite event: 400m IM. It is such an interesting event. Every competitor has a weak and strong stroke and the lead changes all the time. It’s great to compete in.
First international meet: European Junior Championships 2005. I won a silver medal in the 400m I.M
Role models: I admire anyone who gets up early to train and work hard. Graham Obree is a great example.
My aspirations are: Between now and Beijing I will get my head down and train, and try to win a medal in China. Then I will focus on 2012. Having a home crowd and support will be amazing.
Tip for the top: Don’t give up. Encourage. Everything happens for a reason, you can find a positive in everything.
Life after swimming: Not sure. I will keep swimming in my life, maybe coaching or help children in the sport.
Music: Not heavy rock, but anything that helps me to focus. I love movie soundtracks because there is always a good range of music. I am more of a film fan than a music fan. I love action or comedy films. In Sheffield at the Olympic trials between sessions as a family we would go back to our apartment and watch a film together. It helps me to relax.
If I wasn’t a swimmer I would be a: A dancer. I use to do a lot of ballet, and coming from Scotland, Highland Dancing while I was young.
Football, Cricket or Rugby: Rugby. I think it is tougher both physically and mentally. I am intrigued by all the pre match rituals, and shouting. Although I don’t think I can bring that into swimming!
Describe yourself in three words: Quirky / Talkative / Modest
Would most like to meet: Former swimmers Janet Evans and Ian Thorpe. I actually want to meet and get to know everybody! The current world record holder in my main event (400IM) is Australian Stephanie Rice, and she took the record off Katie Hoff (USA). It would be great to be able to sit down with both of them and have a chat.
Most prized possession: ‘Team Miley!’ My family are the most important thing to me and we are all into swimming.
Biggest influence on career: My dad (coach). I would not be swimming if it was not for him. I would simply not be as good a swimmer if he was not my coach.
