Farnham's Rachel Morris has been honoured by the Queen for services to rowing with an MBE in this year's New Year Honours.
Jeremy Hunt said: "Rachel's life story is an inspiration to every young person in Farnham who feels things are not going well.
"She didn't just cope with the horrific misfortune of losing her legs, she turned adversity into triumph by becoming a gold medal winner in two different sports at two different Paralympic games.
"We are all so thrilled she has been recognised and continues to support our community with countless visits to schools, and her leadership role in the Waverley Para Games which is going from strength to strength".