Hannah Miley is determined to be the early bird that catches the worm as she begins meticulous preparations for this summer.
Four years ago Miley enjoyed a golden summer – winning the European and Commonwealth 400m medley titles while world silver over the same distance followed a year later in Shanghai.
Since then though the medals have dried up as, with high expectations at the London 2012 Olympics, she left empty handed – fifth in the 400m medley her best from three events.
With time to reflect, Miley prefers to instead look on the positives, insisting she can channel the experience into success even closer to home come Glasgow 2014 this summer.
Named last month as part of Scotland’s largest ever Commonwealth Games aquatics team, she will lead the charge on day one when she looks to defend her 400m medley title.
But, rather than shrink under the pressure of once again being expected to deliver at a home Games, Miley believes the opportunity can act as a springboard for the rest of her programme.
“I’m really excited,” said Miley, who has also been selected for the 800m freestyle, 200m breaststroke and 200m medley.
“It’s not very often that most athletes get to experience two home Games on their CV so for me it was wonderful having London and a home crowd. But to have Glasgow, which is even more home for me, I’m quite excited to see what the crowds are going to be like.
“What happened in London actually ended up being a positive experience, I posted one of the fastest times I could in the heats and, all things considering, to actually get into a final was really tough.
“It’s an experience that I take on board, it’s part of my journey, part of my story and I’m hoping to use that for Glasgow to one, deal with the home crowd and the pressures I’m under there, but two, to also to enjoy it more.
“It’s nice having my main event on day one because then I can relax and go and enjoy the rest of the racing. And if that’s able to produce medals that’s great, if not I’ve got an opportunity to race some races internationally that I might not normally get to race.”
© Sportsbeat 2014