The world’s real-life superhumans picture-perfect at Paralympics
AS the Paralympics closes in Rio, the light shines on the sheer talent, athleticism and courage of these super-human athletes.
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AUSTRALIA have maintained the top five spot on the medal tally as the Paralympics closes in Rio.
Snapping up 22 gold medals, 30 silver and 29 bronze, Australia have now achieved a top five finish at every Games since Barcelona 1992.
Australia’s gold medal effort was fifth behind China’s tally of 107, Great Britain’s 64 gold medals, Ukraine’s 41 and USA’s 40.
The 2016 Paralympics has been a celebration of mighty athletic feats, and amazing moments.
Four visually impaired 1500m runners ran their final faster than the time that won gold at last month’s Summer Olympics in Rio, and Iranian volleyballer Morteza Mehrzadselakjani, at 2.46m tall, was (literally) his country’s biggest weapon, even seated.
American Matt Stutzman is particularly amazing. The archer, with no arms, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest, most accurate shot in archery at 283.47 metres (he holds the bow with his foot). He joked about walking into a store to buy his first bow and arrow, without a clue how he’d shoot it, and how long it takes to tie his shoes.
Australia’s Kate Kelly, whose Usher syndrome means she has minimal hearing and tunnel-vision sight, teamed up with legendary Aussie iron woman Michellie Jones as her sighted guide to take gold in the sport’s Paralympic Games debut.
Curtis McGrath is an Aussie soldier who stepped on a landmine in Afghanistan and lost both legs. He was barely off the battlefield before vowing he’d be at the 2016 Paralympics, delivering on that promise and wrapping it in para-canoe sprinting gold.
The opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games was themed “Todo Mundo tem um Coração” — which means ”Everybody Has a Heart”.
These amazing athlete pictures show heart is just the start. They’re a catalogue of sheer talent, athleticism and courage showcasing ability, possibility, ingenuity and sheer guts.
Originally published as The world’s real-life superhumans picture-perfect at Paralympics
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