Born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Stephanie Millward fell into the pool as a toddler but was saved by her dad. She suffered a fear of water before this changed to an absolute love of it! At age 8, Millward competed at the Junior Olympics in Rhyadd, Jeddah, where she won a gold medal. This gold medal now became her dream, and she desired an Olympic Gold medal at the real Olympics!

At age 10, Millward and her family moved back to the UK because of the Gulf War. Then, aged just 15, Millward was the British 100m Backstroke Age Group swimming champion, and at age 16, was the Senior British Champion. She qualified for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, but unfortunately, she started suffering strange symptoms such as blindness and Paralysis. Millward was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an incurable disease of the central nervous system.

Shattered by her inability to swim and traumatized emotionally, the MS took over Millward’s life, both physically and mentally, for an indescribably miserable 8 years. At different stages, Millward was forced to re-learn to move, walk, and even talk, but finally, in 2007, she was encouraged to re-enter a swimming pool and, soon after that, asked to teach a friend to swim. This was the beginning of a transformation, and once back swimming, she found peace, focus, and some happiness again. Within 12 months, she competed at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

For the next 12 years, Millward competed in swimming championships all over the world, including the Paralympic Games in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, where she won 5 medals, and then at Rio 2016, she fulfilled her ambition of winning two Paralympic Gold Medals, as part of another 5-medal haul! Millward also competed at many World Championship events, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games. In 2017, Millward was awarded an MBE, the Freedom of Corsham, and even had the Corsham Pool named after her, The Stephanie Millward MBE Swimming Pool.

Despite losing her elite sport funding, dealing with home training throughout the global pandemic, and an additional year to the Paralympic cycle, Millward was incredibly selected for her 4th Games. A month before her 40th birthday, she traveled for a final time with Team GB to Tokyo in August 2021. She did not add to her impressive 10-Paralympic medal tally but did qualify for three finals and secured another unenviable 4th-place finish.

Aside from swimming training, Millward has spent her time studying a degree course (AAT Level 3) in Book-Keeping and held a part-time job with the AIM-Listed engineering company Versarien PLC. She is building a portfolio of clients for whom she completes their Annual Accounts and regularly gives Motivational Presentations.

Additionally, Millward dedicates her life to helping MS sufferers and supporting those with Depression and other life-changing conditions. She regularly visits schools and clubs to inspire the next generation with her story, is either Patron or Ambassador for 10 Charities, was appointed as Deputy Lieutenant for Wiltshire, and is the living embodiment that demonstrates the power of positivity. Her drive, dedication, and motivation are shown in her book "Paying the Price" and are mentioned by anyone who meets her. Millward leaves the room mesmerized and inspired to reach any goal or dream they have.

Sports, Athlete, Olympic Athlete, Disability, Award-Winning Athlete, Swimming & Diving, Paralympics, Women, British / English, Multiple Sclerosis, Autoimmune Disease, Self-Esteem, Resilience Overcoming Adversity,