Ahead of the Rio Games, we look at the greatest competitors in the history of the Paralympics.
:: Natalie du Toit
The South African amputee swimmer is a 10-time Paralympic champion in the pool and competed in the 10-kilometre open water event in the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
:: Chantal Petitclerc
The Canadian was a dominant force in wheelchair racing from 1996 to 2008, winning 14 gold medals in a stellar career.
:: Daniel Dias
The swimmer is a 10-time Paralympic champion and won six golds in the pool at London 2012. He will be looking for more in home waters four years on.
:: Natalia Partyka
The Polish table tennis ace is a multiple Paralympic champion and competed in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
:: Sarah Storey
Made her Paralympic debut in Barcelona aged 14 and won five gold, eight silver and three bronze medals in four Games as a swimmer before switching to the bike and winning two gold medals in Beijing and four in London.
:: Esther Vergeer
The Dutch wheelchair tennis player, Paralympic champion in Sydney, Athens, Beijing and London, had a remarkable singles winning streak of more than 450 consecutive matches.
:: Tanni Grey-Thompson
Britain’s most famous Paralympian was a wheelchair racer who claimed 11 gold medals. She also won four silvers and a bronze.
:: Oscar Pistorius
The double amputee known as ‘the Blade Runner’ won six Paralympic titles and competed in the 400metres at the London Olympics. He will not be in Rio after being convicted of murdering his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day 2013.
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:: David Roberts
The Welsh swimmer won 11 gold medals across three Games in the pool, but missed out on selection for London 2012 after injury and illness disrupted his preparations.
:: Lee Pearson
The English equestrian competitor had a 100% record from three Games of nine wins from nine events. He won one more gold at London 2012.
