CRAMLINGTON’S Stephen Miller couldn’t have left it later to take club bronze at the IPC World Athletics Championships – but insists that must now be the exception rather than the rule.
In a carbon copy of what happened at the Paralympics in 2008, Miller was one place outside the medals in the F31/32/51 club final in Christchurch with only one throw left.
Just like in Beijing the 30-year-old saved his best until last at Queen Elizabeth II Park, forcing his way into third with a throw of 31.25m that saw him earn 933 points.
Miller went from fourth to second at the Paralympics in 2008 and after moving up just one place in the Garden City he has vowed not to be in the same position again.
“What a competition. I didn’t throw that well, it was rubbish. But I knew I had to go for it with my last throw and it was like Beijing all over again,” said Miller – who saw Algeria’s Lahouari Bahlaz claim gold with a throw of 36.73m and world record total of 1008points.
“I keep managing to pull myself out of the mire when it matters most but I can’t keep doing that I need to start better and get more consistency going.”
Sunderland’s Hazel Robson will be hoping to follow her Aviva GB&NI team mate Miller on to the podium after qualifying for the T36 100m final as the second fastest in 15.28seconds.
Elsewhere, Teesside wheelchair racer Jade Jones had two finals to contend with on Tuesday, finishing eighth in the T54 800m before improving to fifth in the 200m.
:: AVIVA has been supporting British athletes since 1999. To find out more about Aviva’s athletics sponsorship, go to aviva.co.uk/athletics
