James Barnes-Miller pinpoints key change since PyeongChang 2018 ahead of Paralympics

Rejuvenated James Barnes-Miller says his wide-eyed days of soaking in the big stage Paralympic lights are now firmly behind him.

And the Tunbridge Wells ace reckons adopting a more ruthless, medal-focussed mentality can prove the perfect snowboarding storm to propel him onto the podium in Beijing.

Barnes-Miller, 32, has officially booked his place in the Chinese capital where he’s gunning to improve on his seventh-place snowboard cross finish at PyeongChang 2018.

He also finished tenth in the banked slalom event but it’s the high-octane, head-to-head nature of snowboard cross that he considers his strongest suit.

Barnes-Miller immersed himself in the Paralympic environment four years ago but believes embracing a more battle-hardened mindset can haul him up the standings next month.

“I feel in way better stead this time,” said Barnes-Miller, one of over 1,000 athletes able to train full-time, access to the world’s best coaches and benefit from pioneering technology, science and medical support thanks to vital National Lottery funding.

“I know what I’m going into – the Paralympic Games are a big show, there’s way more press and way more interest.

“I took that all in the first time [in PyeongChang]. I went there and had the whole experience.

“But now I can just go in knowing what to expect and just focusing on the racing.

“The last Games [was about enjoying it] – this time, I really want to get on the podium in both of my events.

“That’s really where I want to be - I’m going into every race now, not expecting, but hoping I can get on the podium.

“It would mean everything [to win a medal] – it’s been a busy, weird four years, so it would just be incredible.”

Barnes-Miller doesn’t like doing things the easy way.

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