As well as his gold medal-winning throw of 21.84 metres at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, Cunningham (pictured top) also finished fourth in the F51/52/53 discus with 24.85m.

In addition, the 32-year-old won discus gold at the Athens 2004 Paralympics, and secured podium finishes in the event at both the 2003 and 2007 Parapan American Games.

During the London 2012 Games, Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson was keen to sing Cunningham's praises and told reporters of how he has shown others that disability is not an obstacle to success.

"We are such a blessed people," Simpson said shortly after Cunningham took the gold at this summer's Paralympics.

"Our excellence in sport extends beyond our size but not beyond our ability and our will.

"Alphanso is indeed a role model for so many.

"He has consistently shown that disability is not an obstacle to success.

"Today's gold medal gives us further cause to celebrate and be proud of our great country."

Cunningham received his award at the gala at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago.

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