Stephanie Millward

Stephanie Millward is a Paralympic swimmer who has an incredibly decorated sporting history. With a plethora of medals in her collection from both Paralympic Games and World Championships, Millward has gained herself the attention of the public and press alike. Millward initially had hopes of placing on the British able-bodied team at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. She had broken the British record in 100 metre backstroke, impressively at the young age of 15. However, she was unfortunately diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 17, stopping her from reaching the games. Millward didn’t let this set her back, however, picking herself back up from defeat and going on to compete in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games she was entered into four different events, the 100 metre backstroke, 100 metre freestyle, 50 metre freestyle and the 100-metre butterfly. Unfortunately she failed to claim any medals for herself, but still performed to a high standard throughout. Later in 2009 Millward competed at the British Disability Swimming Championships, claiming her first two medals for her collection. She also competed at the IPC Swimming World Championships in 2009 too, claiming herself two gold, three silver and a bronze medal to add to her collection.

Millward had the privilege of competing for Britain at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, claiming a silver medal in the butterfly and the 100 metre freestyle. Competing at the 2011 IPC Swimming World Championships Millward won even more medals. She claimed a silver medal in the 100 metre freestyle, the 400 metre freestyle, the freestyle relay and the medley relay. The summer of 2012 brought Millward her first Paralympic Games win, competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. She claimed a silver medal in the 100 metre backstroke, winning an additional four medals in other events. Millward is passionate about helping people achieve their dreams and visits many schools and organisations telling her story and inspiring others to strive every day. Her achievements were recognised by being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2016.