Swimming star receives Honorary Degree from RGU

Hannah grew up in Inverurie and by her early teens was showing immense promise in the world of competitive swimming. She trained in the Aberdeenshire town’s short course pool and success shortly followed when Hannah pulled on the Scotland race suit for the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2004 taking a silver and two bronze medals.

This was the start of her sporting career which took Hannah to three Olympic and Commonwealth Games respectively before announcing her retirement from competitive swimming three years ago.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Hannah is an inspiration to everyone with a passion for sport having achieved at the highest level. Her journey from the small pool in Inverurie through to training regularly at RGU SPORT and onto the Commonwealth and Olympic Games is a stellar example of someone dedicated to continually improving, adapting, and learning.

“Hannah is someone that the University community is proud to call one of our own and I know she will look back on her time at RGU with fond memories. It is fantastic to be able to honour Hannah and further strengthen her connection with RGU.”

Hannah’s first Olympic Games appearance came in Beijing 2008, before further appearances with Team GB at London 2012 and Rio 2016. Hannah achieved Commonwealth Games success throughout her illustrious sporting career winning the 400-metre individual gold meal at Delhi 2010 and then defending that title at Glasgow 2014. In her final Commonwealth Games appearance, she won her a third straight 400m individual medley medal with silver at Gold Coast 2018.

She also found time for education, graduating from RGU in 2013 with a BSc in Applied Sports Exercise and Science with a specialised package of support allowing her to combine her studies with swimming training six days a week - including at RGU SPORT.

In 2021, Hannah announced her retirement from competitive swimming having amassed an impressive 28 medals at World, European and Commonwealth levels. Hannah was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to swimming and women in sport and continues to be a key advocate of the sport she loves.

Hannah Miley was presented with a Doctor of Science (DSc) award at P&J Live, Aberdeen, on Thursday 04 July.