NEWCASTLE’S Stephen Miller cut a lonely figure yesterday in Beijing after his vice-like grip on his Paralympic club gold was loosened in spectacular fashion.

Miller had dominated the club event for the last three Games, but despite throwing further than he has all year, the 28-year-old failed to retain the gold medal.

Mourad Idoudi of Tunisia broke Miller’s world record with a throw of 35.77m to become the first man to beat the Briton at a Paralympic Games.

Great Britain’s athletics bosses had been hoping the 28- year-old could salvage their poor gold medal form in the Bird’s Nest Stadium.

But like many of his GB counterparts, Miller was forced to settle for second best.

The Gateshead Harrier – who won gold at the Atlanta, Sydney and Athens Games – completed six clean throws in the Far East, producing a season’s best of 34.47m.

However, it wasn’t enough to overthrow Idoudi, who needed just three attempts to steal Miller’s title with a world record effort of 35.77m.

“The level of competition is rising all the time and I’ve had to improve to win,” said Miller, who also claimed discus bronze in Athens four years ago. “I’m working harder than ever and I don’t know where the Tunisian guy kept getting his throws from.

“But it shows that the level of the sport is rising and you have to be expected to be pushed to your limits.

“I did throw well but I’m a little bit disappointed. I threw a great last throw in the end, which I’m really happy with.

I think at that point I was in fourth, but I came away with silver so it showed my character and determination.

“I knew I couldn’t beat Mourad but I thought I could get in the top three and was pleased that I did.”

The former Northumbria University student became the youngest British athlete to win gold in Atlanta in 1996, aged just 16.

Despite being the wrong side of 30 when the Paralympics enter British waters in four years’ time, Miller has his sights firmly set on claiming back his crown in 2012.

“I am determined to come back from this and if I could get a medal, and gold, in London it would be a dream come true,” he said.

“I’ll be training harder and be more prepared than ever to get that. To compete in front of a packed stadium like here is awesome and hopefully we can get some crowds like that in London.”

■ Lloyds TSB, proud first partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of ParalympicsGB on their journey to 2012. Visit LloydsTSB.com/London2012