Tomorrow, five-time Paralympian Stephen Miller (coach: Ros Miller) will receive his MBE at Buckingham Palace for services to sport.
The 35 year old went undefeated in the club throw from 1995-2006 in a period which saw him win three Paralympic titles and will now have another well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
The outing in the capital will come as a welcome relief for Miller, who saw his beloved football club Newcastle United relegated from the Premier League.
Miller went to his first Paralympic Games as a 16 year old and is buoyed by the progress the sport has made since he began his journey to unparalleled greatness.
“I’ve had a great career spanning over 20 years competing at the highest level. I think my Paralympic medal in Athens (2004) is one of my highlights. To be undefeated in nine years and winning a third gold I’d say is a pretty good achievement.
“The sport is pretty unrecognisable from when I started. It’s so high profile now and it’s grown in the public eye, so we’re now seeing so many more people taking part. It’s really important that we keep that going. Paralympians are great role models for the next generation.
While balancing his career as an elite athlete, the three-time Paralympic champion dedicates considerable time to SMILE Through Sport, which he set up alongside his wife Rachel in 2013. SMILE through sport aims to provide opportunities for disabled individuals to participate in sport, a passion which still burns bright.
“I’m really passionate about disability sport and I try really hard to promote the importance of sport and physical activity for people with disabilities. I support a lot of people to try and give them the opportunities that I’ve had. It’s important for me to give something back because I know how much sport has given to me and made me who I am today."