James Barnes-Miller says his days of soaking in the big-stage at the Paralympics are firmly behind him.

And the Tunbridge Wells-born man reckons adopting a more ruthless, medal-focused mentality can help propel him onto the podium in Beijing.

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

The 32-year-old also finished 10th in the banked slalom event in South Korea, but it’s the head-to-head nature of snowboard cross he considers his strongest suit.

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

“I feel in way better stead this time,” said Barnes-Miller, one of more than 1,000 athletes able to train full-time 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. 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.

"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.

After making his Paralympic debut in South Korea, he cracked his collarbone in three places before embarking on a gruelling period of rehabilitation to get him back firing.

Another serious shoulder injury just before Christmas could have further derailed his progress but, after bagging three medals at the World Para Snow Sports Championships in January, he will arrive in Beijing in red-hot form.

The former Broadstairs College pupil was crowned Crystal Globe champion last season and, as part of a small 25-athlete ParalympicsGB squad, looks to carry one of Britain’s principal medal hopes.

It’s been a roller-coaster journey to his second Games and he hopes his tale can inspire the next generation of talent on the biggest stage of all.

“It’s wicked. I’m buzzing and I’m really stoked,” added Barnes-Miller, who was born without a right hand.

“It does take a lot, especially when you have a big fall or injury, to get back up and go again.

“You have to have something about you. Getting knocked down and having to get back up when you get knocked down properly takes a bit.

“It’s cool and massive as an opportunity - the more people we get watching, the more we can open it up to and get either competing, or just out on the snow.

“I don’t feel like a role model. I just go out there and try my best and hope that inspires people who want to go out and have a go on a snowboard.”

The Games start on Friday and run until next Sunday.

No-one does more to support our Olympic and Paralympic athletes than National Lottery players, who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes including grassroots and elite sport. Discover the positive impact playing the National Lottery has at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the hashtag #TNLAthletes.