"The Paralympics defined my life, but they also reach into homes across the nation, redefining public..." — Tanni Grey-Thompson

The general public does not really understand what athletes do away from competition time. They know there will be some exertion involved, of course, but the finer detail passes them by.

In the past, I admit, I have not been a strong supporter of our top footballers, who seem to get paid a ludicrous amount of money while many other athletes still struggle for good facilities in most parts of the U.K.

The reality for most athletes is that they have to deal with the wrath of the media only after they have performed, not in the final weeks of preparation when they may be at their most vulnerable.

As the Paralympics has evolved and the profile has increased, the coverage has been greater, and there are more Paralympians receiving awards than ever before.