inspirational paralympians

[FasterHigherBeardierDaddyman]

Just wanted to share this story about a former racing driver Alex Zinardi who lost both his legs in a horrific crash and is about to launch a bid for 3 gold medals in hand cycling.

Alex Zinardi

Please share your favourite inspirational athletes here.

I don't know much about sport but was very touched by the story of Martine Wiltshire (née Wright); and I am going to see the sitting volleyball. So excited!

www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/paralympic-sport/9344470/London-2012-Paralympics-77-bomb-victim-Martine-Wiltshire-announced-in-GB-women-sitting-volleyball-team.html

Also loved watching Fastest Man on no legs about Oscar Pistorius.

ryanseacrest.com/2012/06/08/oscar-pistorius-the-fastest-man-with-no-legs-video/

She's an amazing woman who turned a tragedy into something so.positive. fantastic.

We met 4 of the south African basket ball team the other day, they were great, I don't know their stories but they said they were loving London, the atmosphere and the excitement about the Paralympics even though it hadn't started yet, I will be cheating them on when the basketball starts!

Obviously I will be cheering, not cheating!

We went to see archery and shooting yesterday (fantastic!) and I feel the need to add Matt Stutzman to the list of inspirational athletes. He competes in the archery despite having been born with no arms - he holds the bow with his toes and pulls it back with his teeth. But not only was it amazing to see how he carried out the task, he also showed incredible composure, scoring near perfect scores under immense pressure, and will now compete in the semi finals. He got a very well deserved standing ovation from those of us who were there. Awesome.

Inspirational Archer

2 particularly for me. Don't recall the names sadly. Not for their stories before the games, but because of what it has shown me.

1. The first Paralympian event I watched last week was swimming and there was a guy with NO arms. Before the race I felt 'sorry' for him, thinking he would come last and be really slow. But once they were off, my jaw hit the floor - he was like a flipping torpedo!! Taught me to stop 'feeling sorry' for these amazing athletes and any other disabled person I may come accross, and to see what they CAN do.
2. A cyclist with only one leg. My 9 year old was wondering past the TV and spotted him., Stopped and gawped at the speed and said 'My God he's AWESOME!!'

I don't think either of my kids will be at all fazed by obvious disability from now on, and now I am just not seeing disability on my screen when I watch. I am watching amazing sport!