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Here are the most memorable Paralympic moments
As we continue to soak in the diamond league action, the Paris Paralympic games are here. From face plant finishes, child gold medallist to incredible stories featuring formula 1 racing legend Alex Zanardi, here are the most iconic moments of the Paralympics.
1. Jessica Long's first gold medal (Athens 2004)
At the age of 12, double amputee Jessica Long made her debut and first international appearance in Athens representing the USA Paralympic team.
She was the youngest on the team and was able to win three gold medals in Athens. Furthermore, she also became the world record holder for the fastest 100-meter freestyle beating former holder Israeli swimmer Keren Leibovitch.
2. Lighting the Calderon (Beijing 2008)
Before a crowd of 90,000 spectators during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympics in China, Hou Bin, a Chinese Paralympian climed up a rope with the Paralympic Tourch in his wheelchair, to light the Calderon.
The Paralympic Torch was fixed to his wheelchair and he used his hands and all his strength to haul himself and his wheelchair 39 metres into the air and light the cauldron in spectacular fashion.
3. Alex Zanardi winning gold (London 2012)
In 2001 during a heated formula 1 race at the 2001 American Memorial at the EuroSpeedway in Lausitz Germany, Alex Zanardi was crashed into by another speeding race car that resulted to a complete severing of the nose of his car(Formula 1)and ultimately the loss of his legs.
He later made an appearance in motor sport and won four times in different races. He took took up handcycling and won gold at the London 2012 Paralympics on the track where he lost his legs.
4. Limbless fencing champion(Rio 2016)
Bebe Vio, an Italian Paralympian, became the first fencer ever to win golf at the wheelchair paralympic fencing games.
Bebe Vio contracted meningitis in 2008 when she was 11 years old and doctors has do amputate both her legs at the knee and both her forearms.
5. Viral blind footballer dribbling skills (Rio 2016)
In 2016 at the Rio Paralympics, the world was stunned by a moment of magic from Brazilian Jeferson Goncalves (Jefinho) who was representing his nation at the football 5-a-side games.
Sightless, Jefinho dribbled passed 4 players and scored against a goalkeeper with no disability. Brazil went on to win gold.
6. USA's perfect run (Rio 2016)
During the Paralympic games in Rio Brazil, the United States Basketball team won gold without losing a single match. Their team work and quality was unmatched as they soared to claim gold flawlessly.
7. Face plant finish (Rio 2016)
Who knew a fall could win you a medal? At the Rio 2016 Paralympic track games, Barbara Bieganowska of Poland managed to win bronze in Para athletics thanks to a faceplant over the line.
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