SILVER LINING FOR MILLER AT WPA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Stephen Miller (club: Gateshead, coach: Ros Miller) went one better than 2016 as he won World Para Athletics European silver in the F32 club throw in Berlin, during the morning session on day three.

Miller – a three-time Paralympic champion – rolled back the years as he produced a consistent series of throws, with his second-round effort the best of the bunch.

With athletes taking all six throws in one series, the pressure was on the north-east man to deliver his best within that timeframe. After a starting mark of 28.58m, his second effort was recorded as 29.78m, raising the bar for his opponents who followed.

Poland’s Maciej Sochal defended his European title with a best of 31.12m which left Miller to pick up his sixth European medal.

Miller reflected afterwards: “I didn’t feel like I threw very well today. I didn’t really fulfil my potential so I’m a bit disappointed. The way it turned out, I think I could have won the gold medal, so it is hard to take when you know you could have done a little bit better. But you take it on the chin. A silver is a silver and it is another one to add to the collection. The story continues but it is frustrating.

“I was consistent but to be honest, I never properly hit one. But I had great preparation coming into this one – I’ve had great support from British Athletics & the National Lottery this year which has helped me a great deal. It is always a pleasure to represent Great Britain & Northern Ireland.”

On adding another medal to his ever-growing collection, Miller added: “This is my sixth European medal, I’ve won a medal at every Europeans now, so it is great to continue that run. There were not many competitors there today, but you can only face who is here. To win another medal is a great honour – it is not something I take lightly.”

Rhys Jones (DSW Para Academy, Christian Malcolm) safely secured his passage into the T37 200m final tonight as he placed second in his heat.

After a strong first bend, the Welshman had done enough to conserve energy over the last 50 metres, with Ukrainian Valdyslav Zahrebelnyi just overtaking him in the final stages. His time of 24.52 (+0.9m/s) – a season’s best – sets him up perfectly for the final at 17:59 UK time.

He commented afterwards: “I am just happy to get through to the final. It was all about getting there and seeing what happens. There are definitely things I need to work on tonight; there is more in there and I’m going to make sure I deliver it in the final.

British Athletics Medallists: (14)

Gold:

Hollie Arnold – F46 Javelin

Sabrine Fortune – F20 Shot put

Harri Jenkins – T33 100m

Maria Lyle – T35 100m

Richard Whitehead – T61 200m

Silver:

David Devine – T13 1500m

Stephen Miller – F32 Club Throw

Luke Nuttall – T46 1500m

Zak Skinner – T13 Long Jump

Ali Smith – T38 400m

Bronze:

Mo Jomni – T53 200m

Nathan Maguire – T54 200m

Stephen Osborne – T51 100m

Laura Sugar – T44 / 64 100m