12 May 2016 

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.

“It’s going to be a very proud moment – it’s something I’ve never expected so it’s an amazing feeling. It’s pretty scary as well, so I’m still trying to take it in. It’s quite humbling – I’m very proud to get an award like this, so it’s going to be a great day.”   

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.

“It’s been a tough season but hopefully we’ll (Newcastle United) come back stronger. Tomorrow is going to be a lot better than Wednesday (rivals Sunderland won against Everton to end Newcastle’s stay in the Premier League). It’s positive end to the week going to Buckingham Palace and spending it with my family.”

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.

“The sport is in a really good place when you’ve got so many young people coming through and getting in the teams for major championships. It means for the likes of me, Dave (Weir) and Dan (Greaves) when we retire, the sport is going to be in really good hands.”  

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."