FAMILY and friends of Paralympic champion Owen Miller have been offering their congratulations after his stunning success in Tokyo.

The 29-year-old returned home on Sunday evening and, in Blairhall, where his grandparents stay, villagers turned out in force to welcome him back after he claimed the men's T20 1500 metres gold medal last Friday.

Owen's victory came in his Paralympic Games debut and, speaking to the Press, proud mum Wendy said that his achievement was overwhelming.

"I think we're still trying to get used to the idea but it's good," she said.

"He deserves it. He's done well, he's trained well, so it's very good.

"I think everybody, the support staff, Steve (Doig, Owen's coach), all his running buddies, they've made this as well. The dedication and the time put in getting him to competitions, his gran and grandad have been fantastic. Everything's been so massive the last few years, and this has just finished it off.

"It is a team and it is a team for a reason. If it wasn't for that team, he wouldn't be where he is. A real thanks to everybody that's supported him."

When asked how she felt during the race, Wendy replied: "I think we woke up the neighbours but, apart from that, we were all good!

"We weren't expecting it obviously; we knew he could, it was just whether he managed on the day because it's very difficult to run in a different country and things like that.

"I think we all nearly passed out! I think his face said it all."

Steve Doig, Owen's coach, said: "I'm ecstatic. He's trained with me and the group for probably five years but I've known him in running for 10. It's such a reward for perseverance and resilience, so you've got those feelings. You know how long someone's been wanting to achieve that, and I guess his dream was actually probably just to go to the Paralympics.

"To actually go and win is another step on and is a remarkable story.

"As I said in one of my texts, it's the good guy winning, and that's what you like to see."

Pamela Robson, the national disability pathway officer for Scottish Athletics, said: "We are absolutely delighted for Owen, his performance at the Games was phenomenal.

"It has taken years of hard work by Owen, his family, coach Steve Doig, and his training group at Fife AC. Congratulations to all involved – everyone at Scottish Athletics is very proud of him.

"Owen has been involved in athletics since he was at school, his support from Disability Sport Fife helped him reach his potential and find the right club setting, at Fife AC. Well done to every person involved in this success but particularly to Owen himself for his hard work and determination!

"His smile as he crossed the line was just brilliant."

Richard Brickley, chair of Disability Sport Fife, offered the organisation's congratulations to a "very special young man", while Woodmill High School and Fife College, both of which Owen attended previously, offered their congratulations, as did former Commonwealth Games runner Gemma Sharp, who described his win as "amazing".