London Paralympics Final Medals Table 2012

London Paralympics Final Medals Table 2012

Rank	Leaders	Gold	Silver	Bronze
1	China	95	71	65
2	Russia	36	38	28
3	Great Britain	34	43	43
4	Ukraine	32	24	28
5	Australia	32	23	30
6	USA	31	29	38
7	Brazil	21	14	8
8	Germany	18	26	22
9	Poland	14	13	9
10	Netherlands	10	10	19
11	Iran	10	7	7
12	South Korea	9	9	9
13	Italy	9	8	11
14	Tunisia	9	5	5
15	Cuba	9	5	3
16	France	8	19	18
17	Spain	8	18	16
18	South Africa	8	12	9
19	Ireland	8	3	5
20	Canada	7	15	9
21	New Zealand	6	7	4

Final Day, ‎09 Septemper ‎2012

To see the full medal tally

Esther Vergeer won a record fourth consecutive gold

London 2012: Vergeer Seals Record Fourth Singles Gold

Esther Vergeer won a record fourth consecutive gold medal in women's Singles Wheelchair Tennis as her remarkable unbeaten run continued at Eton Manor.

(PRWEB) September 09, 2012

Esther Vergeer won a record fourth consecutive gold medal in women's Singles Wheelchair Tennis as her remarkable unbeaten run continued at Eton Manor.

Vergeer only needed two sets to beat team-mateAniek van Koot 6-0 6-3 to claim her triumph.

She has now not been beaten in 470 matches, since January 2003, and adds London 2012 gold to her medals from Beijing 2008, Athens 2004 and Sydney 2000.

She broke down in tears afterwards, saying: 'Everyone was talking about it and I just made it happen. It's what I dreamed about, thought about and did everything for. There was so much pressure.

'Everybody expected me to win gold and that I would win but I still had to work hard, to go to training, to be at the top of my game. A lot of people forget that.'

Van Koot, who was playing in her first Paralympic Games, said: 'I have been close [to beating Vergeer] before and I need to remember that and motivate myself to keep trying. She is beatable - you just have to figure out how.

'You just don't want to lose, do you? A silver is good, and one day it will be gold. I'll raise the bar for that and I will set my goals on gold for the next time.'

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Joanna Rowsell said Sarah Storey, My Heroine

Jo Rowsell: Sarah Storey, My Heroine

Channel 4: Joanna Rowsell cannot afford to have have an off-day when she's training with Sarah Storey.

(PRWEB) September 09, 2012

Joanna Rowsell cannot afford to have have an off-day when she's training with Sarah Storey.

"If you want an easy ride, don't go with Sarah," the Olympic team pursuit gold medal-winning cyclist told C4Paralympics. "She trains so hard all the time."

It's single-minded determination which has turned Storey into the most ruthless female para-cyclist on the planet as well as one of Great Britain's most decorated ever Paralympians in history, joining athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson and swimmer David Roberts on 11 golds.

The 35-year-old won her fourth Paralympic gold medal, her sixth as a cyclist, when she obliterated the road race field with a winning margin of 7:22. Storey won five as a swimmer before an ear infection forced her to quit the pool after the Athens Paralympics in 2004.

And since beginning her cycling career in 2005, the Mancunian has created history as the first para-rider to win gold as an able-bodied athlete in last year's World Cup in Manchester, where she teamed up alongside close friend and training partner Rowsell in the women's team pursuit.

"Sarah is one of my heroes," said the 23-year-old. "She's such a hard trainer and she's so determined which comes across in her personality.

"She'll never take no for an answer. Whenever there's a problem that needs solving, she'll get things done.

"I love training with her - I don't know where she gets the energy from. She's always busy doing loads of stuff; motivational speaking, supporting numerous charities as well as her training. I would be knackered doing that.

"She does four para-cycling events on the track and road and she's trying to get into the (able-bodied) team pursuit team as well. She wants to be the best athlete she can be and she's constantly improving."

Despite helping Britain to win gold at the Track World Cup in Colombia in December 2011, Storey missed out on a place in Team GB's Olympic women's team pursuit cycling team for the London Games, where Laura Trott, Dani King and Rowsell claimed an emphatic victory over the United States.

Rowsell was one of the riders who earned the nod ahead of Storey but she refuses to see her close friend as a rival, especially in a team event like the pursuit.

"Sarah was gutted to be left out but it gave her even more determination to continue," she says.

"Doing a team event you have to adjust your training to fit in the with your team-mates, you can't always do what's right for you when it's right for you. But by doing individual para-cycling events, she can put herself first.

"She saw the positives of being left out as well as the gains she had training with us.

"Where she struggles on the track is the start, she doesn't have a left hand so she can't grip the handlebars.

"Doing team pursuit training, she has been forced to push herself to start faster to keep us with us on that first lap. After then she's fine."

However, Rowsell says Storey can still play a vital role when Great Britain defend their team pursuit title at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where the race will be modified to include an extra rider over 4kms.

"I'm sure Sarah will have her eye on that fourth spot, especially as Wendy Houvenaghel, who was our reserve rider, is retiring at the end of the season," said Rowsell.

"I've asked her whether she's going to retire after London but I don't think she has any plans to do so soon although I know she wants children."

Those children would have among the best cycling genes in Britain as Storey's husband Barney is also a gold medal-winning member of the ParalympicsGB squad, acting as a pilot for visually impaired rider Anthony Kappes in the tandem event.

The duo are off to the Caribbean for a well-earned holiday and bask in their phenomenal achievements over the past two weeks.

And Rowsell believes her heroine deserves every moment of adulation. 

• For all the latest news from the 2012 Paralympics, follow @C4Paralympics on Twitter and like the C4Paralympics Facebook page

Josie Pearson's Gold Medal Joy

Channel 4: Josie's Gold Medal Joy

Great Britain's Josie Pearson stormed to victory in the women's F51 discus - and smashed the world record three times in the process.

(PRWEB) September 08, 2012

Great Britain's Josie Pearson stormed to victory in thewomen's F51 discus - and smashed the world record three times in the process.

"It's a total disbelief moment that's not gonna sink in for a long time," Pearson told C4 Paralympics. "It's the culmination of so many years' hard work - amazing. Everything's paid off and I can't believe it. I can now say that I'm Paralympic champion!"

The 26-year-old, sporting Union Jack earrings, topped the results table with a world record-breaking throw of 6.58m, leaving her nearest rival, Catherine O'Neill of Ireland, trailing in her wake.

After her throws she was given a points score of 1122 - revised to take into account the severity of her disability - which left her 242 points clear of the rest of the field. Incredibly, all six of her throws were good enough to win gold.    

"To compete in front of your home crowd with everyone behind you is just the most amazing feeling - I'm absolutely ecstatic. I'm never going to forget this," she said. "The atmosphere was mind-blowing, and knowing people have paid good money to come and support you just gives you that extra boost."

Pearson was left paralysed from the chest down after breaking her neck when she was 17 in a car accident that claimed the life of her boyfriend. She took up sport as part of her recovery, and became the first woman to represent ParalympicsGB at wheelchair rugby in Beijing in 2008.

After turning her attention to athletics, she was forced to give up wheelchair racing because of the risk of injury and only took up discus 18 months ago. Within a few months she had thrown 6m – just 13cm short of the F51 world record in the discus.

"It took me a while to find my sport," she joked. "I started wheelchair racing but didn't do as well as I wanted to do, so I started to chuck stuff instead!"

And now she's made it to a gold medal at London 2012.

"Being at a home games has been the most amazing experience of my life," said Pearson.

"The whole experience has been phenomenal. I'm going to celebrate with chocolate, crisps and a glass of wine!" 

• For all the latest news from the 2012 Paralympics, follow @C4Paralympics on Twitter and like theC4Paralympics Facebook page

Oscar Pistorius Tips Jonnie Peacock for Greatness

Channel 4: Pistorius Tips Peacock for Greatness

Oscar Pistorius believes Britain’s Jonnie Peacock is ready to inherit his title as the king of Paralympic sprinting after his stunning victory in the battle of the blades.

(PRWEB) September 07, 2012

Oscar Pistorius believes Britain’s Jonnie Peacock is ready to inherit his title as the king of Paralympic sprinting after his stunning victory in the battle of the blades.

Pistorius was full of praise for his T44 100m rival after Peacock blew away a high-class field to take gold at the Olympic Stadium in a new Paralympic record of 10.90 seconds.

“Jonnie’s a great athlete. I enjoyed racing against him tonight,” said Pistorius, who was edged out of the medals by American Richard Browne and his fellow South African Arnu Fourie.

“He was inspiring. He really epitomises the profession. I think what people witnessed here is the beginning of a phenomenal career for him.

“My hat goes off to him. I pass the baton over to him from my last Paralympic championship [Pistorius won 100m gold in Beijing] and he’s the right guy to give it to. Congratulations to him.”

Peacock emerged from his medal ceremony with three gold medals around his neck after receiving two golden paper plates from overjoyed fans in a pulsating Olympic Stadium.

“I can’t think of words to describe it,” the 19-year-old told C4Paralympics.

“When I broke the world record in Indianapolis I expected three or four people who knew about it to thank me on Twitter and I got hundreds and hundreds of emails to say well done.

“But this is amazing. To see the support the Paralympics is getting at the moment is surreal.”

Peacock had his right leg amputated below the knee at the age of five after contracting meningitis.

He was still learning how to run on a blade in 2010 and has improved his best time by almost 1.5 seconds under the direction of coach Dan Pfaff, who also trains Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford.

Peacock’s was one of six GB golds on ‘Thriller Thursday’, taking ParalympicsGB on to 108 medals - and surpassing their target of 103 with three days still to go at London 2012.

“For the past four days I’ve been in the village trying to keep focus,” said Peacock, who revealed that he intended to celebrate by “going out a lot”.

“But when you’ve got guys like David Weir going out and getting golds you just want to go out and be a part of that.

“We are really putting on a show and the Paralympics GB team here are so strong. I’m so proud to be a part of this.” 

• For all the latest news from the 2012 Paralympics, follow @C4Paralympics on Twitter and like the C4Paralympics Facebook page

Natalie Du Toit Poised for Last Final

London 2012: Du Toit Poised for Last Final

Natalie du Toit has a little over a minute remaining of her Swimming career after qualifying for tonight's women's 100m Freestyle - S9 final.

(PRWEB) September 07, 2012

Natalie du Toit has a little over a minute remaining of her Swimming career after qualifying for tonight'swomen's 100m Freestyle - S9 final.

Du Toit has been a pioneer in her sport but will bring down the curtain on a career which has seen her win 13 Paralympic titles over three Games.

Du Toit has been the most high-profile face ofParalympic Swimming for 10 years.

She also competed in the open water at the Beijing 2008 Olympics as well as reaching the 800m Freestyle final at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Tonight she will bow out in what is bound to be an emotional moment at the Aquatics Centre, having qualified fastest in 1:02.95 as she seeks her third successive title in the event.

Du Toit said: 'I'm excited because it's been a long week, a long 10 days. I'm a bit sad too, but the next couple of months I'll be busy with sponsors and those people that have really helped me along the way.

'They are really the ones who have kept me going, otherwise I think I would have gone out of the sport long ago.

'I think I should be able to suppress it, but there is a bit of sadness. It's been many years of my life, it has taught me a lot of lessons. Travelling the world has been an eye-opener. It's always going to be sad leaving the sport.'

Matthew Cowdrey will be making his final appearance of the Games tonight when he competes in the men's 100m Freestyle - S9.

The Australian already has 20 medals over three Paralympic Games but he intends to carry on.

He said: 'There are so many options for me both outside and inside the sport, so whatever I decide I'm sure I will be happy. I am definitely leaning towards Glasgow (2014 Commonwealth Games) and Rio (2016 Paralympic Games), we'll see after that.

'As long as I'm still improving, enjoying it and having fun, which I definitely am at the moment, I'll still be there [in Rio].'

He added: 'I'll be out there tonight swimming as close as I can to the world record (55.30, which he holds). I think I can definitely swim faster [than in the heat].'

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Golden Ollie Hynd Grabs Pool Glory

Golden Ollie Hynd Grabs Pool Glory

Teenager Ollie Hynd produced a brilliant swim to win gold in the SM8 200m individual medley.

(PRWEB) September 06, 2012

Teenager Ollie Hynd produced a brilliant swim to win gold in the SM8 200m individual medley.

The 17-year-old nudged ahead during the penultimate breaststroke leg and used his superior power in the freestyle to surge clear of his rivals

Hynd finished in 2:24.63, a full two seconds clear of China's Wang Jiachao in second place, while brother Sam came just outside the medals in fourth.

Afterwards, Ollie told Channel 4: "I can't believe it - it's amazing. Breaststroke is my weakest stroke and I held my own in a field of people really good at breaststroke.

"I didn't want to believe it at first - I thought 'That can't be right' - but I'm Paralympic champion."

Sam added: "I'm really proud [of my brother] - I don't know what to say!"

Rob Welbourn grabbed GB's second swimming medal of the day when he won bronze in the S10 400m freestyle.

The 25-year-old Welshman said: "I'm over the moon with that. To come away with a medal from a home Games - you can't ask any more."

Hannah Russell also finished third behind Natali Pronina in the S12 100m backstroke and there was more good news in the SB6 100m breaststroke final, where Charlotte Henshaw and Liz Johnson grabbed silver and bronze for ParalympicsGB.

Henshaw, who finished just 3/100ths of a second behind 14-year old champion Viktoriia Satsova of the Ukraine, insisted: "I'm so pleased with a silver medal...just to get on the podium again."

The 25-year-old, who suffered the agony of finishing fourth in Beijing, added: "I know what it's like to finish just outside the medals and I'm so glad that didn't happen here. I can walk away with my head held high.

"Maybe in a couple of days when I watch it back I'll think I could have done this, that or the other, but right now I can't express how happy I am to have medalled at home."

Johnson, who has previously won gold and silver at the Paralympics, said: "I've never got a bronze so now I've got the full set."

The defending champion from Beijing added: “We had to rely on [performance director] John Atkinson for giving us the opportunity to get medals. We could so easily have been sat at home, in the crowd, or working for one of you guys [at Channel 4] here. So in that sense walking away with a silver and bronze is fantastic.”

Lousie Watkin rounded off a great night for the hosts when she grabbed silver in the S9 50m 'splash and dash', finishing a whisker behind China's Lin Ping.

Watkin, who set a new British record of 29.21 secs, said: "I just put my head down and went for it. I got bronze in Beijing, so to come away with silver is amazing."

There was disappointment for Jim 'The Swim' Anderson who failed to make it 18 Paralympic medals as he finished fourth in the 50m S2 backstroke.

4 Wheel City Debut Performance in London 2012 Paralympics

Rap Duo, 4 Wheel City Set to Kick Off Their Debut Performance in London for the 2012 Paralympics

4 Wheel City takes center stage with Jay Z, Coldplay and Rihanna when they make their debut in London for the 2012 Paralympics.

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 06, 2012

On Saturday, September 8 for what will be their 2nd international performance and the first ever in the UK, Namel "Tap Waterz" Norris and Ricardo "Rick Fire" Velasquez will perform 5 of their top songs including 2 of their most successful, " Welcome To Reality" which featured Snoop Dogg and "Welcome To 4 Wheel City/The Movement". "Even though we are not participating in the games as athletes I still feel like a Paralympian because we all have overcome obstacles and worked hard to get here, the only difference is our sport is rap music." adds Norrishttp://www.4wheelcity.com

As advocates for People with Disabilities while also serving as "Cultural Ambassadors" both Namel and Ricardo are unstoppable. They've been described as "Innovators", "Future Icons" and "Community Leaders" and now they are taking their brand worldwide! "I feel honored to have the opportunity to travel overseas to London from New York City to represent the United States, Hip Hop music, and share our story with thousands of Paralympic athletes and spectators from all over the world" states producer Velasquez.

The Paralympics opening ceremony kicked off on Wednesday August 29, with events running from Thursday, August 30 through to Sunday, September 9. Unlike the Olympics, many of the events run throughout the two weeks with athletics, swimming and wheelchair basketball among the sports that are in action throughout the 10 days. As TV viewership and ticket sales have soared this year more than in previous years 2012 is sure to be memorable. The closing ceremony festivities will feature performances by Jay Z, Coldplay and Rihanna on Sunday September 9th. "The London 2012 Paralympics will be a landmark for people with disabilities everywhere. A landmark in the progress of mankind towards light and seeing immense capability and possibility. " Seb Coe chairman of the London 2012 organizing committee.http://www.4wheelcity.com

The London 2012 Paralympics will be the biggest Paralympic Games ever featuring 4,280 athletes from 166 countries who will compete in 20 sports. As the Paralympics are providing a world stage, "4 Wheel City" will definitely be a welcomed addition and are sure to make the audience want more.

###

ABOUT 4 WHEEL CITY:

4 Wheel City is a disability activist, motivational speaking hip hop group started by Namel “Tap Waterz” Norris (rapper) and Ricardo “Rick Fire” Velasquez (producer), two talented hip-hop artists in wheelchairs due to senseless gun violence. Their mission is to use hip-hop music and culture to create more opportunities for those with disabilities, inspire people not to give up in life, and raise funds for spinal cord injury research. They hope to show the world that people with disabilities can still have talents, dreams, and deserve to be treated equally.http://www.4wheelcity.com

ABOUT THE PARALYMPICS:

The London 2012 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games' (LOCOG) vision is that rather than making them different from previous Paralympics, they want to take the best aspects of previous Games and bring them together.
The Paralympic Games is the world's second largest major international multi-sport event, involving athletes with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities, including mobility disabilities, amputations, blindness, and cerebral palsy. There are Winter and Summer Paralympic Games, which since the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, South Korea, are held immediately following the respective Olympic Games. All Paralympic Games are governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
The Paralympics have grown from a small gathering of British World War II veterans in 1948 to become one of the largest international sporting events by the early 21st century. Paralympians strive for equal treatment with non-disabled Olympic athletes, but there is a large funding gap between Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Sarah Storey Says Landmark Gold

Channel 4: Storey Says Landmark Gold is a Piece of History

Sarah Storey has reflected on her landmark 10th Paralympic gold medal as an incredible piece of history in her sporting career.

(PRWEB) September 05, 2012

Sarah Storey has reflected on her landmark 10th Paralympic gold medal as an incredible piece of history in her sporting career.

The 34-year-old won the C5 individual time trial at Brands Hatch to add a fifth cycling gold to the five titles she won in the swimming pool at the Barcelona and Atlanta Games.

She is now just one race away from matching the 11 golds won by British Paralympic greats Tanni Grey-Thompson and David Roberts.

"Everyone is totting up the medals for me but I'm just taking it each race at a time," said Storey, who switched to cycling ahead of the Beijing Games.

"Each race has got to be done, just to make sure I don't get too ahead of myself before I think about the wider picture.

"Today it was just about getting around those 16 kilometres as fast as I could. It's added to an incredible history in my sporting life but it's come over so many years that I don't think those figures will settle in my head until I get home."

On the wooden slopes of the velodrome, Storey had already taken double gold in the C5 individual pursuit and and C4-5 time trial before adding a third gold on the road.

Storey said losing was simply not an option after her British team-mates Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Lizzie Armistead all won medals on the road at the Olympics.

"Having watched the Olympic team on the road, I just wanted to make sure I added my name to that list of success," Storey said.

"I just can't believe it. I really needed to nail this one here today."

Storey now has a chance to make a golden clean sweep on Thursday in the women's C4-5 road race, which, like Wednesday's time trial, also finishes at Brands Hatch race circuit.

But the Manchester speed machine wouldn't give anything away on her chances of success in the 64 kilometre (39 miles) race.

"Who knows, it's a road race we'll see," she said.

YouTube’s Live Web Video Streaming of London Paralympics

Major Network Outdone by YouTube’s Live Web Video Streaming of London Paralympics

YouTube’s Friday announcement that they’ll be streaming the London Paralympic Games live came as a relief to games’ viewers who’ve been frustrated by NBC’s delayed broadcast of the event. “YouTube knows what viewers want with web video streaming,” says David Jenyns, Director of Melbourne Video Production, “so the big networks had better take note, streaming events like this supports my argument that YouTube will take over traditional television.”

Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) September 05, 2012

YouTube announced this past Friday that they’ll be doing a web video streaming of the London Summer Paralympics games live - for all the world to see. The event, which was otherwise not available to those in the USA and Canada, was originally being delay-broadcasted by major network NBC.

Online feedback has seen many viewers frustrated by NBC’s ad-filled and lagging schedule, making YouTube’s current coverage all the more welcome to spectators.

“Web video, such as the streaming of the Paralympics, has fast become the medium in which people get their news and entertainment,” comments David Jenyns, Director of Melbourne Video Production, “it’s a small wonder YouTube has outdone a major network on this event.”

The London Summer Paralympics kicked off last Wednesday, with an amazing opening ceremony (now available on YouTube), and will run through Sunday, September 9th. The popularity of the Paralympic Games has been aided considerably by YouTube’s online broadcasting, which allows fans full viewing rights in North America.

Not only has YouTube’s video services broken the geographical barriers for watching the games, but also allows viewer access to additional coverage and interviews, as well as be able to re-watch events at their leisure.

David remarks, “Watchers understand the different skills required for paralympic sports, so being able to see these athletes perform live, at a world-class level, is awe-inspiring.”

Amongst the long list of events being streamed on YouTube is the highly anticipated men’s 100 meter sprint, where spectators will watch South Africa’s record-breaking Oscar “Blade Runner” Pistorius compete once again on Thursday, September 6th.

“Live web video streaming on YouTube has really opened the door for spectators,” says David, “and I – for one – am thankful for that. Web video has allowed the London Paralympic Games to be viewed in real time, by all their fans, regardless of their geographical location.”

David continues to say that YouTube’s broadcasting of the games further supports his belief that traditional television is phasing out, “Viewers can expect to see more and more major events like this being broadcast live on YouTube.”

To view the games live, or watch highlights and interviews, visit the official Paralymic Games YouTube channel, “ParalympicSportTV” http://www.youtube.com/user/ParalympicSportTV?feature=watch 
About Melbourne Video Production

Melbourne Video Production is a division of MelbourneSEOServices.com, a full service search engine optimization (SEO) consultancy, based in Australia, but with a worldwide client base.

Melbourne Video Production has the unique ability to combine their video production expertise with strategic SEO practices from Melbourne SEO.

Director, David Jenyns, has, over several years, built a team of experts who are niche experts to support the business, and who share his ethos for ethical, professional internet marketing and web video.

London Paralympics Medals Table 2012 - Tenth Day

London Paralympics Medals Table 2012

Final Day

Rank	Leaders	Gold	Silver	Bronze
1	China	95	71	65
2	Russia	36	38	28
3	Great Britain	34	43	43
4	Ukraine	32	24	28
5	Australia	32	23	30
6	USA	31	29	38
7	Brazil	21	14	8
8	Germany	18	26	22
9	Poland	14	13	9
10	Netherlands	10	10	19
11	Iran	10	7	7
12	South Korea	9	9	9
13	Italy	9	8	11
14	Tunisia	9	5	5
15	Cuba	9	5	3
16	France	8	19	18
17	Spain	8	18	16
18	South Africa	8	12	9
19	Ireland	8	3	5
20	Canada	7	15	9
21	New Zealand	6	7	4

Final Day, ‎09 Septemper ‎2012

To see the full medal tally

Oscar Pistorius Wants Paralympics to Leave Legacy of Integration

Channel 4: Pistorius Wants Paralympics to Leave Legacy of Integration

Superstar sprinter Oscar Pistorius wants the London Paralympics to leave a legacy of regular integration for Paralympic sport in able-bodied events.

(PRWEB) August 28, 2012

Superstar sprinter Oscar Pistorius wants the London Paralympics to leave a legacy of regular integration for Paralympic sport in able-bodied events.

The 25-year-old South African is making history this summer as the first amputee track athlete to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics but sees no reason why his feat should be a one-off.

"Showcasing an event or two, that's the best thing that should come of this Paralympic Games," said Pistorius, who reached the 400m semi-finals and the 4x400m relay final at the London Olympics.

"It would be a kind of legacy showing people, and giving them the opportunity to view Paralympic sport and then giving them follow-up competitions the next year and in years to come on the world stage."

To get in tune for the London Games, Paralympians Marcel Hug, of Switzerland and Australia's Kurt Fearnley took part in an exhibition 1500m wheelchair race at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne.

Pistorius, a four-time Paralympic gold medallist, has called for showcase events like this one to be extended across athletics and other sports.

"It would be wonderful if some of the Diamond League or [athletics' governing body] IAAF races incorporate to have races for athletes with disability," he said.

"The spectators love it. You see the 1500m wheelchair races and people that are not normally exposed toParalympic sports are all of a sudden watching the events and that's the foot in the door to showcasing what it's really about.

"The same could be done for swimming and cycling. Our top Paralympic cyclists contending with the world's best is not only something that should be reserved for every four years at a world stage like this.

"It's something that bodies like the IAAF and [swimming governing body] Fina need to have a look at in the future. It would be a lovely thing to see."

Despite his landmark appearance at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, Pistorius believes holding both events simultaneously remains an impossibility.

"It's a question that has come up many, many times," Pistorius mused. "As far as a logistics point of view, it would be extremely difficult.

"To host all the athletes and have a lot more venues is something that I don't think would ever be possible.

"And some of the Paralympic athletes say they're happy having the Olympics as a warm-up!

"I'm as proud to be a Paralympian as I am an Olympian. I don't think there's anything to be ashamed of. I don't think [Olympic and Paralympic integration] will ever happen and I don't think it'll ever need to."

Pistorius, who runs on prosthetic carbon fibre limbs, had to fight a long battle with the IAAF to compete against able-bodied athletes, with the courts ruling in his favour in 2008.

His appearance at the London Olympics saw his dream come true but the 25-year-old says the opportunity for other Paralympic athletes to cross over into able-bodied events has always been there.

"The doors have always been open," Pistorius added. "A lot of the guys I run against - [Britain's] Jonnie Peacockand [American] Jerome Singleton - run at their regional races and many of their training partners are able-bodied athletes.

"I've just been hard-working and talented enough to compete on an international level and it's not that now that I've done it I've opened the door, the door has always been open pretty much long before I was around."

Pistorius is preparing for a busy Paralympics Games where he is attempting to defend this titles in the T44 100m, 200m and 400m as well as taking part in the 4x100m relay.

"I'm feeling pretty good, I was really well-conditioned from the [Olympic] 400m three weeks' ago," warned the four-time Paralympic gold medallist.

"The 200m and 400m I'm pretty comfortable on but the 100m is going to be the tough event.

"The 100m has always been a very closely-contested race and there have always been strong competitors. The likes of Johnnie Peacock, [Americans] Jerome Singleton and Blake Leeper and Arnu Fourie, my room-mate - that's going to be a bit awkward the night before the final.

"There are six guys that can all have a good foothold, that's why it will be a strong event.

"I've been more than impressed with Peacock. He's a huge threat. My personal experience, though, is that experience counts a lot.

"If I could just get in the top three in that I'll be very happy.

"My focus is on trying to defend my titles but I have to be realistic and say that the 200m and 400m I'm better suited to." 

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Oscar Pistorius Predicts Closely-fought Sprint Showdown

Pistorius Predicts Closely-fought Sprint Showdown

Oscar Pistorius has admitted he does not fancy his chances of winning one of the most highly-anticipated races of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

(PRWEB) August 28, 2012

Oscar Pistorius has admitted he does not fancy his chances of winning one of the most highly-anticipated races of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The Blade Runner's showdown with British sprinterJonnie Peacock in the T44 100m final next Thursday night will be a highlight of the Games.

The South African is the defending champion, but has more recently focused on qualifying for the Olympic Games over 400m.

Only last week the 25-year-old raced for the first time over 100m in 16 months.

‘I think it's important to note I haven't run a 100m personal best in five years,’ said Pistorius, who will also race in the 200m, 400m and 4x100m Relay.

‘It's not really my event so, although I do feel threatened, I don't feel helpless. As Jonnie and those guys focus on the 100m, my focus is on the 400m, on the opposite side of the spectrum when it comes to sprinting.

‘If I can just get in the top three I think I'd be very happy.

‘My focus is on trying to defend my titles, but then I have to be realistic and say the 400m and the 200mare the events I am better suited at.’

Pistorius, who will carry the South African flag for the first time at tomorrow's opening ceremony, revealed he had lost 11 kilograms since Beijing 2008, but had spent the last three weeks in the gym to bulk up as much as possible for the shorter sprints.

Nineteen-year-old Peacock broke the 100m world record with a run of 10.85 seconds in June and Pistorius admitted his progress has taken him by surprise.

‘He improved by more than half a second,’ he added. ‘You never see that, especially in the 100m, it just doesn't happen. He is a huge threat.’

But there are also the likes of American Jerome Singleton, who beat Pistorius at the 2011 IPC World Championships to worry about, as well as a rival more closer to home - his room-mate Arnu Fourie.

The first round of the men’s T44 100m takes place on Wednesday 5 September.

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.