“You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support.” - Sabrina Bryan. Cerebral palsy has never stopped Stephen from taking on challenges. He has proven this again and again as a professional athlete representing Great Britain for over 20 years, competing in 5 Paralympic Games, 5 World Championships and 4 European Championships and has medaled twenty-six times. Stephen became Britain's youngest ever track & field Olympic and gold medalist at the Atlanta Paralympics in 1996. For his service to sport, he also received a prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award. He is the founder of SMILE Through Sport which aims to increase awareness and promote disability sports.

At what age did you start taking an interest in sports? Which sports/events did you try out other than F32 club throw?S: I always had an interest in sport from a young age. My first passion was football/soccer, I went to my first match at 5 years old and have supported Newcastle United ever since. I played as a goalkeeper and really enjoyed playing and stopping the ball any way possible. I also played a sport called Boccia when I was younger, it's similar to bowls and is primarily for people with severe physical disabilities but can be played by anyone. I was in England team at 14 years old but chose to focus on athletics.

What is the most memorable championship for you and why?S: I've been to many memorable championships with so many great experiences but London 2012 was the most memorable for both good and bad reasons. I was the Male Athletics Team Captain for the championships which was a huge honour, and I competed on the very first morning of the athletics programme. The atmosphere was incredible, it was so loud in the stadium, I doubt I'll experience anything like that again. I had loads of family and friends in the crowd, some of whom had never seen me compete before. Unfortunately I was not fully fit in London and didn't throw to my potential. So far it's the only Paralympics where I've failed to win a medal but to compete at a home games was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

How is your experience as an athlete benefiting your organization “SMILE Through Sport”?S: I know how much sport has given me and how I've developed and gained so much through doing sport. Aside from having success and being able to have amazing experiences with my sport career, the benefits from regularly being active such as confidence, teamwork, resilience, respect, bravery and pride have really helped me grow as a person. Having experienced the benefits of sport I really want to help others have to opportunity and motivation to take part in sport. At SMILE Through Sport I share my story and we provide inclusive sport sessions for anybody to take part in sport.

Which of your writing work is closest to your heart and why?S: I loved writing my autobiography, but I think my poetry is something that is really close to my heart. My poems all have a meaning to me and my life and I really enjoy writing and sharing them. My poem 'Aardvark' is one of my favourites, along with the poem I wrote for the London 2012 Paralympic Closing Ceremony 'Only Dreams Can Save Us'.

What challenges did you face during your school and university years? How can today’s kids with special needs prepare themselves to face similar challenges?S: The biggest challenge was probably learning to accept my differences to others and not be scared to take on challenges. I was at a SEN school until I was 9 and they were very different environments but I had great support from my teachers and parents to give me the belief that I could succeed. I think it was important that I had grown up to be comfortable and accepting of myself and my disabled, I never felt less of a person. Sure every child goes through phases where they maybe wish they could do things their friends can do and want to act and look a certain way but this is all part of growing up and as you get older you realise that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, the key is to find what you're good at and what you enjoy.

Who is your inspiration?S: Aside from my parents who are the most inspirational people I've known, I was truly inspired by watching Linford Christie win gold at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, I was only 12 at the time and it really stuck with me - I knew I wanted to do sport and get to the top level.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?S: I like to watch football and have a season ticket for Newcastle United, I like watching most sport to be honest, including American Football. I enjoy getting together with the family for a Sunday roast - Sunday is a day off for me.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?S: I live in an amazing place, Northumberland and the North East England has an amazing coastline and I love going to the seaside towns and beaches, I probably don't go as much as I should with it being on my doorstep. I also like going to the Lake District and Windermere, it's very chilled out and relaxing.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to become an athlete?S: Find a sport you love to do and enjoy, then seek advice from good coaches and work hard to maximise the ability you have, never forget to have fun through. Keep a positive mindset and enjoy challenges, remember the only way to progress is to fail so don't be put off by set backs, learn from them and stick at it. Don't compare yourself to others, only compare yourself to yourself and try to improve everyday, to improve is the best source of satisfaction.

Any special message for our community?S: The future is where potential lies, so learn from the past but don't dwell there, move on and enjoy your journey. I've won and lost in my career but the thing that has kept me going is the thrill of the chase, the pursuit of a goal or a dream, the challenge of achieving the perfect performance. The journey is often more rewarding than the destination. Be humble, have gratitude and give respect.