Miley leaves her mark on last day of British Championships

From Chris Cottrell, Sportsbeat, in Sheffield

HANNAH Miley underlined her status as the British medley queen as she swept to 400m medley gold on the final day of the British Gas Swimming Championships in Sheffield.

MAKING A POINT: Hannah Miley wins her fifth 400m individual medley title in a row with the second fastest time in the world this season (Getty Images / British Gas Swimming Championships)

The 20-year old had shown a rare glimpse on vulnerability earlier in the week, retaining her 200m medley title but finishing second to Stacey Tadd in the defence of her 200m breaststroke crown.

But Miley had insisted she wouldn't let slip her prized 400m medley title and stuck to her vow on Saturday, sweeping home in the second fastest time in the world this season of 4:37.05 minutes.

Middlesborough teenager Aimee Willmott struck silver behind Miley in the 200m and repeated the feat over the longer distance, touching home in a personal best 4:41.90 minutes.

And while bronze medallist Keri-Anne Payne was quick enough to join Willmott in qualification for the England team for the Commonwealth Games, there was no catching the white-hot Scot.

"I was looking at the times from other girls around the world and I was aiming for them so I am pleased to put my mark down," said Miley, who captured her fifth consecutive 400m medley title with the win.

"It was tough having that event right at the end of the week but I was always conscious that I was having to wait for it.

"And to come away with a time like that is really pleasing."

Meanwhile, Melbourne-based teenager Ellen Gandy also defended her title in the 200m butterfly.

The 18-year old finished second best in both the 50m and 100m fly, but came out on top of a straight shoot-out with fastest qualifier Jemma Lowe to win in 2:07.70 minutes and guarantee her place at the European Championships and Commonwealth Games.

And Welsh record holder Lowe, who has pre-qualified for the Commonwealth Games, admitted silver had ended a tiring week on a high.

"It has been a really long couple of months for me with swimming the NCAAs out in Florida the week before this one," said Lowe, who competes in the same team as 100m backstroke world record holder Gemma Spofforth in Florida.

"But I am actually pretty pleased with the race even though I just missed out at the end and I'm also pleased with my time.

"I was here in the first session and I'm here in the last session so I'm ready for a break."

Swansea's Alys Thomas finished in a personal best 2:11.54 minutes to strike bronze.

AS IT HAPPENS: Day six from the British Gas Swimming Championships in Sheffield

The nation's leading energy supplier British Gas is the Principal Partner of British Swimming, and have pledged £15m to support the sport at all levels - from paddling pool to podium. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming