Team GB veteran swimmer Hannah Miley provides her thoughts as she prepares for her third Olympics while first timer Tim Shuttleworth shares his views as the team continues its holding camp in Belo Horizonte.
Miley made her Olympic debut eight years ago in Beijing and goes into the Rio Games in just seven days’ time as one of the most experienced on the British team of 26.
“At the moment it feels the same as any other meet and that’s what I’ve worked hard towards and aimed for,” explained Miley.
“I remember my first Games in 2008 – I felt like a rabbit in the headlights. It was my first major competition for two years and it was a big step for me but I learned a lot.
“In London, four years on, it was a completely different experience. It was a home Games, something I’ll never experience again, and it was exciting. The home crowd atmosphere was something else.
“This time around I feel like I’ve definitely matured and will go into Rio in a few days with a very different perspective. My mantra for 2016 is to make sure I enjoy the adventure and be happy. The right outcome of course is important be I will also want to be happy knowing I’m the best prepared that I can be.
- Hannah Miley“Having experienced two previous Olympics I feel I’m both better prepared and have a clearer perspective.”
For first time Olympian Shuttleworth, Miley is one of the people he will learn from over the next four weeks as he experiences his first Olympic Games.
“It’s been an enjoyable experience so far but I know it’s not really started yet. I’ve been getting to know the best swimmers in our country a little bit better as well as getting around some of the more experienced guys to learn from them,” said Shuttleworth.
“The athletes that have been through the Games process before are always there to help if you have a question. They give you a good idea of what to expect and help you to prepare for the next step of the journey.”
Not only is it Shuttleworth’s first Olympic Games, it’s also his very first senior international event but he has been impressed by what he has seen so far.
“The UFMG University pool here in Belo is fantastic – in fact the whole Team GB setup from the gym, to accommodation; from the food to the athlete lounge, it just makes it so easy for us athletes to focus.
“I’m feeling really good. There are still two weeks to go until my main event so I’m just about to start my taper off the back of what has been a really hard block of training. I’ve been putting in some good work and I know it will all come together in Rio," said Shuttleworth