PARALYMPIC gold medallist Stephanie Millward hasn’t rested on her laurels after her success in Rio, as she visited Abbeyfield School in Chippenham to encourage the next generation to go after their dreams.

The Paralympic swimmer claimed two gold and two bronze medals during her time in the pool out in Brazil, and brought her collection into the school where she spoke with pupils and posed for photographs earlier this month.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 17 after competing in the World School Games in Shanghai, Millward was told that she would never be able to swim again.

But after overcoming the odds, the 35-year-old who studied at Corsham School has enjoyed an 18 year career in the pool claiming various championships and four silver medals in London 2012 as well as her haul in Rio.

She was also named as the new ambassador for the MS Society this month.

Headteacher at Abbeyfield School, Ian Tucker, said: “It’s inspirational for students to meet a top class athlete and hear her talk about how she never gave up on her dream, no matter how hard everyday life had become for her.

“It helps instil the ‘never give up’ attitude to learning, which will encourage students to achieve everything they hope to.

“It was wonderful opportunity for students to hold gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals and we would like to thank Stephanie for spending so much time with the students this morning.”