Is it me...or should these 'hero's have been recognised at the opening and closing ceremony of the games Every last one of them, not just team GB deserve a medal! Not cast aside as a separate event but celebrated as an inspiration to us all!
Good film on the other evening about the chap that started them just after WWII. Lot of anti public opinion against them first of all. It was thought distasteful watching wheelchair races! Proper heroes!
They are ALL inspirational examples of the strength of the human spirit. I posted on another thread about Alex Zanardi entering the Paralympics, I really hope he does well. Alex Zanardi confirmed for London Paralympics - Grapevine - Other - AUTOSPORT.com Alex Zanardi is still amazing... - flyingpylon blog Good luck and total respect to them all.
Do they allow competitors with different kinds of disabilities in the same event, and if so how do they make the competition fair? (please forgive if these are stupid questions - I'm away on hols at the moment and not following it on TV)
It is a very good question. I believe there is fierce debate about levels of disability amongst disabled athletes. The recent publicity about self harm, up to and including breaking bones , to stimulate adrenalin and boost performance was a revelation. If I wear a blindfold can I compete in the archery ?
I brought this up elsewhere I think it's disgusting they should of recognised them at the opening ceremony and had the closing when the paralympics
I've probably just witnessed one of the greatest and proudest things I've ever seen in sport. Our mate Rich from Notts has just absolutely destroyed the field in the 200m and broke his own world record. Honestly it really bought a tear to my eye.... Words fail me with that they honestly do. Well done mate, all the boys owe you some drinks
Gold for Alex, I`m so pleased for him. Alex Zanardi, Ex-F1 Driver Who Lost Both Legs In Racing Crash, Wins Handbike Paralympic Gold
There are different categories for each event depending on which/how severe the disability is, hence the category code in the title, eg "ARW2 Archery". There is a full list here: Disability sport classification - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The topic of self harm ("boosting") is interesting as obviously the paralysed feel no sensation from that part of the body but they still get the adrenaline rush, and hence the performance boost, associated with the injury. It was described as "competitors doing their all to win" and while technically not illegal in the games it does bring up some ethical questions. But yes, inspirational does not come close to describing these athletes.
