From Helmand to Milan – Scott Minagh’s quest for a Winter Paralympic medal

However, when Minagh first thought about becoming a biathlete and dreamed of competing in the Winter Paralympics, the reception from some quarters was lukewarm.

“When I set out on that journey and started asking questions, I was met with Eddie the Eagle’s answer.”

He’s referring to Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, the first Briton to compete in ski jumping at the Winter Olympics.

Edwards finished last by some distance in the 1988 Winter Olympics, and while some turned up their noses at the bespectacled plasterer, he captured the hearts of millions of television viewers around the world and his adventures became the subject of a 2016 film.

Like Eddie the Eagle, Minaj dared to dream and the idea that emerged in the coffee shops became a reality.

“I think people thought I was into it,” he said. “There was a lot of chat about ‘we’re not giving away a free tracksuit’ at first.

“Very quickly, I surrounded myself with people who were very interested in the idea. We could see the viability of the program across the country.”

Meenagh was part of the British rowing squad until 2016, but his visit to the Winter Games two years ago inspired him to make the switch.

“They sent me to Russia in 2014 to experience the Paralympics as part of the Inspiration Program,” he said. “I witnessed biathlon there.

“I’m incredibly inspired by the fact that it’s one of these sports that encompasses all the aspects that an athlete needs – tremendous aerobic ability, technical ability in skating, decision-making in shooting. You’re doing it in incredibly harsh environments on the other side of the world.”