Paralympic Heroes

Team South Africa has received a hero's welcome when they returned home after the country's most successful Paralympic Games ever. Our athletes grabbed 21 gold medals to finish sixth on the medals table. We also secured 3 silver and 6 bronze medals.

There were many highlights for South Africa. Flag-bearer Natalie du Toit made history as she became the first athlete to compete in both the Olympics and the Paralympics. She was also the first person to carry the country's flag in both events. Du Toit's achievements in the pool were also celebrated as she took 5 gold medals in the 5 events she competed in. The Capetonian was also honoured with a special individual achievement award at the closing ceremony.

Oscar Pistorius was another highlight for Team SA, as he clinched a rare sprint treble, winning the 100, 200 and 400 metres. The Blade Runner thrilled fans with a come-from-behind victory in the 100 metres, but dominated the 200 and 40! 0 metres, where he bettered his own world record.

For many fans, the story of the Games was Hilton Langenhoven's three gold medals in three different events. He won one of the 200 metres categories, a long-jump gold and the men's pentathlon. The Somerset West athlete surprised many with his achievements and has been tipped as a future paralympic superstar.

Another outstanding achievement has been Fanie Lombard becoming the country's most decorated paralympian with 12 medals, which include 8 golds. The former rugby player actually retired after Athens, but was convinced to return by his daughter. At Beijing he won bronze in the shot-put and gold in the discus.