Questions about MS? Call us on 0808 800 8000
Photo shows Stephanie Millward smiling, in her official dress as Deputy Lieutenant for Wiltshire.

Stephanie Millward MBE - life after retiring from competitive swimming

Stephanie Millward MBE

Last October our Ambassador and Paralympian Stephanie Millward MBE announced her retirement from international swimming. Stephanie reflects on her fourth and final Paralympic Games and what the future holds.

Training for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics during lockdown

During the pandemic life has been difficult for everyone. As a swimmer, training for the Paralympics was incredibly hard given the pools were all closed. I continued to train relentlessly using an exercise mat (in my kitchen), on my static bike (in the bedroom) and on the hill outside my house! There was a small upside, my alarm was set for 7am, rather than 4.45am, every day. I’ve never slept so much or for so long!

Despite everything and being a year late, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics was incredible, and the Japanese deserve so much credit for hosting it. Without spectators and with team isolation the event was very different to the previous games. But it was my fourth and I am proud to have made three finals, even if I didn’t secure another medal.

Reflecting on my achievements

One of the highlights of the Tokyo Paralympics was watching my young swimming teammates perform so well.  A decade ago, I was one of them being supported and shown the ropes by the experienced team members.

I realised it was time the baton should be passed on again, to the next generation.

I have achieved so much more than I ever believed possible. Not least the 700 plus medals, 10 of which were Paralympic ones. The time was absolutely right for me to announce my retirement. The reaction to my announcement was phenomenal. I received so many messages on social media, a flood of emails and people calling. I was even interviewed on TV. It was all very humbling.

Stephanie picture by pool in Rio at Paralympics holding up gold medal and smiling

Adding up and MS

I’ll never swim competitively again. But I will hopefully never stop swimming, or inspiring others to swim. At the moment, I am swimming three mornings a week and back at the pool coaching twice. This feels like a great balance as I start a second career in accounting and bookkeeping. Bookkeeping makes sense to me, one plus one is always two! I love knowing when things are right or wrong and I enjoy numbers.

With my multiple sclerosis, I am always looking for unexplained answers, whereas with bookkeeping and accountancy, the answers are always there, somewhere – even those dratted extra ‘few pence’ that appear from nowhere in my spreadsheets!

Retired, but not resting

I work for a wonderful engineering company doing payroll and management accounts. The amazing CEO offered me part-time employment when I was swimming. This foresight and kindness prepared me for my retirement. I am incredibly grateful to him as it has made my transition much easier.

I also complete annual tax returns for a number of clients, which I enjoy. I’m also studying to take my Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 3 exams which were postponed during the pandemic.

I was also recently appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Wiltshire. When I was asked, I had no idea what that meant and needed to find a definition:

“The Lord-Lieutenant appoints the Deputies and in doing so recognises their contribution to local, county or national life. The role of the Deputy Lieutenant is to attend different events and includes supporting and promoting the Lieutenancy in Wiltshire. A Deputy also represents the Lord-Lieutenant in performing public duties when required.”

It’s an amazing appointment and an incredible honour. My first official duty as a Deputy Lieutenant was in my own village, Box, at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday.  I couldn’t be more proud.

Giving back

I’ve benefitted from the support of so many volunteers since my MS diagnosis and all through my swimming career. I know from personal experience that volunteers offer vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes and the community.

Being a Deputy Lieutenant for Wiltshire and an MS Society Ambassador feels like my way of giving back.

It helps that I absolutely love offering support to others and I am sure I gain as much by volunteering as anyone gains from me. I also adore going to schools with a gold medal for the children to hold or have a picture with, as I know it inspires them - and this makes me incredibly happy.

Get involved

From blogging, to campaigning, fundraising and taking part in vital research. There are lots of ways you too can get involved and help stop MS.

Find out how you can get involved