• London Olympics 2012

Teary Miley apologises, Phelps acknowledges failure

Hannah Miley was out-paced in the final on Saturday © Getty Images

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British swimmer Hannah Miley has apologised if she let anybody down, after finishing fifth in the final of the 400m individual medley at London 2012 on Saturday.

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Miley, 22, unwittingly found herself touted as Great Britain's big hope of a first gold medal of the Olympic Games - after Mark Cavendish had proven unable to get in position to strike in the men's cycling road race earlier in the day.

In truth, however, the current world silver medallist was more a reasonable medal prospect than a likely gold medal winner - but nevertheless the Scot (who arrived in the mixed zone after the final in tears) felt compelled to say sorry if she had failed to meet some expectations.

"Apologies if anyone had high expectations of me. I gave it everything I had," said Miley, who finished sixth in the same event four years ago.

After coming though some blisteringly fast heats earlier in the day in order to reach the final, Miley was unable to keep with the pace as 16-year-old Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen broke the world record following a breathtaking final 70 metres.

Miley believes the pace of the heats cost her dearly in the end.

"They were the fastest that have ever been recorded in the history of the 400m IM, and I think the challenge was who can recover the fastest to be able to put out again - and the young ones won," she said.

"I feel really privileged that I could be in the same water as a world record holder, and I said from the start I can only control myself and I'm afraid I can't control what anyone else does.

"For me, it was an honest effort and I apologise to anyone who feels disappointed in me, but I feel really proud and happy to have been able to represent Britain and the crowd were absolutely awesome."

Elsewhere, Michael Phelps admitted that he was never really at the races as he was comfortably beaten by Ryan Lochte in the men's 400m IM. Phelps ultimately finished fourth, the first time since Athens 12 years ago that he has failed to medal in an Olympic final.

"I felt great for the first 200m, but after that it just didn't happen," Phelps said. "I was lucky to get in [the final]. I had the chance to get off on a good note but didn't do it."

Phelps' coach Bob Bowman added: "He trained really well coming in here - I'm surprised. We just have to put it behind us and move on."

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