Often referred to as the "Blade Jumper," Markus Rehm won Paralympic gold in the long jump at the London Games in 2012 and holds the world record of 8.40 meters in the F44 competition class which he set at the world championships in Doha in 2015.
Markus Rehm - Germany —
Often referred to as the "Blade Jumper," Markus Rehm won Paralympic gold in the long jump at the London Games in 2012 and holds the world record of 8.40 meters in the F44 competition class which he set at the world championships in Doha in 2015.
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Alex Zanardi was a racing driver until he lost both legs in a horrific CART crash in 2001. He tried hand cycling in 2007 and later became a Paralympic athlete. He won two gold and silver at London 2012, and is a world champion in road race and time trial events.
Alessandro Zanardi - Italy —
Alex Zanardi was a racing driver until he lost both legs in a horrific CART crash in 2001. He tried hand cycling in 2007 and later became a Paralympic athlete. He won two gold and silver at London 2012, and is a world champion in road race and time trial events.
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Melissa Stockwell was the first female American solider to lose a limb in active combat during the Iraq War. She is aiming to become the first Paralympic triathlon champion as the sport makes its debut in Rio.
Melissa Stockwell - USA —
Melissa Stockwell was the first female American solider to lose a limb in active combat during the Iraq War. She is aiming to become the first Paralympic triathlon champion as the sport makes its debut in Rio.
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Ryley Batt is only 27 but competing in his fourth Paralympic Games. The wheelchair rugby player, who even opponents say is the best, led Australia to gold at London 2012 and victory at the 2014 world championships.
Ryley Batt - Australia —
Ryley Batt is only 27 but competing in his fourth Paralympic Games. The wheelchair rugby player, who even opponents say is the best, led Australia to gold at London 2012 and victory at the 2014 world championships.
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Sarah Storey competed for Great Britain in four Paralympics as a swimmer before swapping the pool for a bike. Rio will be her third Paralympic Games on two wheels and a chance for her to add to the 22 medals she has amassed to date.
Sarah Storey - Great Britain —
Sarah Storey competed for Great Britain in four Paralympics as a swimmer before swapping the pool for a bike. Rio will be her third Paralympic Games on two wheels and a chance for her to add to the 22 medals she has amassed to date.
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The visually impaired Cuban sprinter Omara Durand is aiming for multiple golds at the Rio Paralympics to add to her haul. With a time of 11.48 seconds, she is the world record holder at 100 meters in the T12 class. Durand is defending Paralympic champion at 100m and 400m.
Omara Durand - Cuba —
The visually impaired Cuban sprinter Omara Durand is aiming for multiple golds at the Rio Paralympics to add to her haul. With a time of 11.48 seconds, she is the world record holder at 100 meters in the T12 class. Durand is defending Paralympic champion at 100m and 400m.
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Swimmer Daniel Dias is Brazil's version of Michael Phelps and its most successful sportsman in recent years. He won nine medals at the Beijing Games in 2008 and six Paralympic golds at London 2012, setting four world records in the process.
Daniel Dias - Brazil —
Swimmer Daniel Dias is Brazil's version of Michael Phelps and its most successful sportsman in recent years. He won nine medals at the Beijing Games in 2008 and six Paralympic golds at London 2012, setting four world records in the process.
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Lin Ma is known for his aggressive style of play. It has brought him huge success in his class -- he is ranked No. 1 in the world -- and he will be aiming for his third Paralympic singles title at Rio.
Lin Ma - China —
Lin Ma is known for his aggressive style of play. It has brought him huge success in his class -- he is ranked No. 1 in the world -- and he will be aiming for his third Paralympic singles title at Rio.
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Brazilian Jovane Silva Guissone is the defending Paralympic wheelchair fencing champion and aiming to repeat his success at his home Games. He has said he wants to help Brazil climb the medal table and encourage interest in all sports.
Jovane Silva Guissone - Brazil —
Brazilian Jovane Silva Guissone is the defending Paralympic wheelchair fencing champion and aiming to repeat his success at his home Games. He has said he wants to help Brazil climb the medal table and encourage interest in all sports.
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