STEPHEN Miller admits he’s living the dream but there was no dream ending for one of Britain’s most successful Paralympic athletes.

Miller made his Games debut as a 16-year old in Atlanta and has since won three golds, a silver and bronze in subsequent Games appearances.

One of the most popular members of the team, he was named captain and given the big responsibility of getting the hosts off the mark in the very first event at the Olympic Stadium.

But competing in his specialty club throw discipline Miller was way off his best, ranking 11th in a field that demonstrated the rapidly improving quality of Paralympic sport.

His best throw of 26.70 metres was well down on his 30.71m season’s best, although even matching his long-standing personal best would have only won him bronze.

“It was really bad, I've never had that experience before. I've had so much success in my career and I don't know what to make of it,” said Miller, who has never failed to make a Paralympic podium.

“I’m not used to being disappointed, I’ve always previously done well and that makes it hard to take.

“I gave it my best and I've been really struggling for fitness, especially with my hips, and to get here was an achievement in many ways.

“There were lots of times when I really shouldn't have made it, so I’ve got to look at that as a big positive, even if it doesn’t feel that way now.

“I wanted to put in a better performance but it just didn't happen for me and I can't really explain that.

“I was more nervous than I've ever been before and that was probably made worse because I was the first British athlete to compete.

“That's no excuse, I've been to enough Paralympics and I should have done a lot better. I'm just sorry for all the people that came down to watch and the amazing crowd who were right behind me.”

Miller though is happy to see the standards in his chosen discipline improve and the 32-year old has no intention of quitting yet.

“I know what I can do. I won gold at the European Championships this year and bronze at last year’s Worlds, so I’m competitive, just not today,” he added.

“You don’t know what the future holds but I’m still enjoying my sport.”

Miller has certainly seen the Paralympic movement go through some changes in the last 16 years - and competing in front of a sold-out stadium underlined how much things have progressed.

“When I won my gold in Athens there was hardly anyone there, it’s so good to see how this country has taken to the Paralympics and supported them,” he added.

“The experience of competing at a home Games was incredible, I just wish I'd been able to give them something to cheer about.

“My whole body was numb by the noise. I was throwing rubbish and they were still cheering me, which was kind of them, although I didn’t expect it.

“I wanted to set a good example to the team but we've won our first medal now and I’m confident that many more will follow.

“I’m very proud to be captain and I’m taking the job seriously, I'll be back supporting the team every day and making as much noise as I can.”

  • Lloyds TSB, proud supporter of ParalympicsGB and proud partner of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Get closer to the Games at lloydstsb.com/london2012