World medallist Miley announces retirement

Miley, who still holds the British record in the Women's 400m Individual Medley, made her senior debut for a British Swimming team at the 2006 European Championships in Budapest, reaching the final of her favoured 400m IM event at the first time of asking. 

In the subsequent decade-and-a-half, Hannah would go on to claim European gold - in Budapest, four years later - and five other medals at that level, as well as a stunning silver in the World Championships in Shanghai in 2011. That was one of five World Championship appearances for the Scottish athlete. There was also success at World Short Course Championships, including a brilliant world title in 2012. 

For Team GB, Miley's maiden Olympic appearance came at Beijing 2008, before further outings at the home Games of London 2012 and then Rio 2016, where she came fourth in the 400m Individual Medley final. Including the 200m Individual Medley and Women's 4x200m Freestyle Relay showpieces at London 2012, the 32-year-old featured in five Olympic finals. 

The Team Scotland star - coached by father Patrick Miley at the University of Aberdeen and Garioch Amateur Swimming Club before that -  tasted Commonwealth Games success throughout her career, winning the 400m IM crown at Delhi 2010 and then defending that title four years later, in front of a home crowd at Glasgow 2014. 

Speaking about her decision to step away from competitive swimming, Miley said: "While this is difficult to say, I've made the big decision to announce my retirement from swimming - competitively at least. It's a sport that I will always love and, while I will be hanging up my racing suit, my goggles will remain in my hand.

"I remember being an eight-year-old swimmer desperate to go to the pool. Twenty-four years later, that feeling hasn't changed. Three Olympic Games, double Commonwealth champion, world and European champion, European record holder. To stand on the podium and listen to the national anthem for both Great Britain and Team Scotland is indescribable. It's been one hell of a ride. 

"I've met and worked with so many wonderful people and would like to thank them all for their time and support. You all know who you are. There is one person that I need to thank, my dad. His ingenious ability to think outside the box and ground-breaking analysis has taken my family - aka Team Miley - on the most incredible journey."

British Swimming National Performance Director Chris Spice said: "Hannah has been a fantastic, long-serving ambassador for British Swimming, with World and European medals to her name, as well as appearances in finals at three successive Olympic Games. On top of that, she was a fantastic leader and a role model for younger athletes too. 

"We wish her all the best for the future and whatever she goes on to do next."

Miley's favoured 400m Individual Medley event saw her in long-running competition with British Swimming teammate Aimee Willmott, another three-time Olympian, who announced her retirement last week. To read more on Aimee's career, click HERE. 

* final picture courtesy of Euan Duff