Scots swimmer Hannah Miley will 'bounce right back' say friends

Devastated: Hannah misses out on medal© Press Association

Friends and family of Scots swimmer Hannah Miley have spoken of their pride despite watching her miss out on winning Team GB's first Olympic medal.

The 22-year-old was tipped to win gold in the 400 metres individual medley final but came an agonising fifth.

Hannah's supporters have now pledged to get behind her again when she makes another bid for Olympic glory in the Aquatics Centre in the 200 metres individual medley on Monday.

The swimmer, from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, said afterwards: "Apologies if anyone had high expectations of me, I gave it everything I had. I'm gutted but I couldn't have given it any more."

Miley trains at the Garioch Amateur Swimming Club in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, where her father Patrick is head coach.

Around 50 friends and family gathered at Hopeville Social Club in the town to cheer her on in the 400 metres individual medley final on Saturday night .

Club secretary Mandi Crawford said: "I thought she did really well. I`m really proud of her.

"Obviously I am as disappointed that she didn't win a medal as she is, but we're just really proud that she`s managed to first of all get to the Olympics, then make the final, and then swim as well as she did.

"We knew it was going to be tough so we are really pleased that she has come in fifth."

In response to Miley's post-performance apologies to those who had "high expectations" of her, Ms Crawford said: "She`s such a nice girl, really sweet.

"It makes you feel sorry for her that she thinks other people would be disappointed in her because there is no way that people will be disappointed because she has done so well.

"She will take the experience from this race towards the 200 IM (individual medley) on Monday so we will be cheering her on for that."

Club vice president Dave Adams said: "She was outstanding. I stand with Patrick every Sunday morning when she`s doing her training and its absolutely excellent to see that accumulate to fifth position, especially on home territory.

"She gave everything she could. We couldn't have asked for more and as a club we are extremely proud of her."

He added: "She will now go away, speak to her father and talk tactics.

"Patrick's a very good tactician. He will understand the competition, their weaknesses and strengths, and he'll take her away for a good pep-talk and she will come out fighting for the 200 IM."

Ex-president Garry Holmes, who has known Miley for around 10 years, said: "I think if she gets to the final on Monday it will be a good achievement, and there's still a possibility that she will get selected for the relay so there`s a strong chance that Team GB will get a medal in that."

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont MSP said: "Commiserations to Hannah in this race, but we'll have her fingers crossed for her in the 200 metre medley.

"Her swimming was superb, but sadly just not enough on the day. I'm sure she'll put everything into the 200 metres and we'll all be cheering her on."

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