Timeline - Paralympics

1960

Gary hooper: how lucky I am to be here

Gary Hooper talks about ‘making it’ as a Paralympic athlete

"We'd sit on street corners and sell raffle tickets"

Bill Mather-Brown talks about the public awareness benefits of early fundraising activities

Paralympian Bruno Moretti discussing sport as rehabilitation and ability to play multiple sports in the early Paralympics

Bruno Moretti discusses sport as rehabilitation and being required to play multiple sports

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Australia sent a team of twelve athletes and four support staff to the first Paralympic Games.

Australia at the Rome Summer Paralympics 1960

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List of the members of the 1960 Australian Paralympic Team for the Rome Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1960 Rome Paralympics Australian Team list

1960 Paralympian Kevin Coombes reflects on being the first Indigenous Paralympian.

Kevin Coombs discusses traveling to Rome

Members of the 1960 Australian Paralympic Team pose with an entertainer at their hotel in Singapore en route to the first Paralympic Games in Rome, September 1960. At this time, it was seen as beneficial for people with paraplegia to spend time standing and even to learn to 'walk' using crutches and wearing calipers, so Daphne Ceeney (later Hilton) in the back row and Frank Ponta (seated, far left) are out of their wheelchairs in this photo.

Australian team en route to 1960 Rome Paralympics

They carried us on and off aeroplanes

Listen to Bill Mather-Brown praising the hard work of the team support staff

Members of the first Australian Paralympic Team, in Rome in 1960, disembark from a plane at Rome airport at the end of their journey to the Games. The team contained a mixture of athletes with polio and those with spinal cord injuries. In general, those with paraplegia were lifted from the plane and those with polio used the steps. Team physiotherapist

Australian team athletes disembark from plane Rome Summer Paralympics

Going up ten stairs with a wheelchair

Gary Hooper chats about the unusual and barely accessible accommodation at the 1960 Rome Summer Paralympics

The Athletes' Village for the 1960 Paralympic Games in Rome consisted of apartments above the ground, with no lift access. Although ramps were installed over the stairs, most athletes required assistance to enter and leave the buildings as the ramps were so steep.

Athletes’ Village Rome Summer Paralympics

Paralympic defined: Parallel, paralysed or paraplegic?

Bill Mather-Brown discusses the origin of the term “Paralympic”

Australian team Rome Summer Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Pocket from Kevin Coombs’ 1960 team blazer

Kevin Coombs on being the first Indigenous Paralympian

Paralympian Daphne Ceeney takes pride in being Australia’s first female Paralympian.

Daphne Ceeney on her pride in being Australia’s first female Paralympian

Paralympian Chris O’Brian on the best thing about being a Paralympian.

Chris O’Brien discuss best thing about being a Paralympian

The venue for the swimming events at the 1960 Rome Paralympic GamesThe venue for the swimming events at the 1960 Rome Paralympic GamesThe venue for the swimming events at the 1960 Rome Paralympic GamesThe venue for the swimming events at the 1960 Rome Paralympic GamesThe venue for the swimming events at the 1960 Rome Paralympic GamesThe venue for the swimming events at the 1960 Rome Paralympic GamesThe venue for the swimming events at the 1960 Rome Paralympic GamesThe venue for the swimming events at the 1960 Rome Paralympic GamesThe venue for the swimming events at the 1960 Rome Paralympic Games

Swimming venue Rome Summer Paralympics

Bill Mather-Brown and the dubious officiating

Bill Mather-Brown talks about the basketball officials at the 1960 Rome Paralympics

Gary Hooper: "Come on, you can do better than that."

Listen to Gary Hooper talk about the many events he participated in

"We couldn't race in Rome, they reckon it was too dangerous."

Bill Mather-Brown talks about the events he competed in during 1960 Rome Paralympics

Members of the first Australian Paralympic Team, in Rome in 1960, relax at the archery venue. Seated on the far left is Daphne Ceeney (later Hilton), Australia's only female competitor in Rome and the first Australian female Paralympic gold medallist. Behind her, also looking at the camera, is Gary Hooper.

Australian Team members 1960 Rome Paralympics

Australia’s first Paralympic gold medal

Bill Mather-Brown: "We used to call him 'Spag'"

Bill Mather-Brown talks about amusing experiences involving Bruno Moretti at the 1960 Rome Paralympics

1960 Paralympian Gary Hooper comments on the role of pioneering Paralympians in inspiring later generations of athletes.

Gary Hooper on the place in history of the first Paralympians

Australian athletes are helped onto a bus with a rear wheelchair hoist during the 1960 Paralympic Games in Rome. Waiting at right is Ross Sutton, Australia's first Paralympic gold medallist.

Australian Team Members boarding bus 1960 Rome Paralympics

Bill Mather-Brown reflects on changes in the Games since 1960

Bruno Moretti discusses wooden wheelchairs and technical changes over time

Australian team 50-year reunion Rome Summer Paralympics

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1964

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Fifteen Australian athletes and eight support staff travelled to Tokyo for the 1964 Summer Paralympics.

Australia at the 1964 Tokyo Paralympics

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List of the members of the 1964 Australian Paralympic Team for the Tokyo Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1964 Tokyo Paralympics Australian team list

A segment of the Australian Team as it marches around the track during the Opening Ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games on Oda Field in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo

Australian Team Marches Tokyo Games Opening Ceremony

The band plays during the Opening Ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Band plays Tokyo Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Teams lined up Tokyo Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Empress Michiko and Crown Prince Akihito (left) meet representatives of the participating teams during the opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games on Oda Field in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. At the right of the picture is Ludwig Guttmann, the founder of the Paralympic movement.

Crown Prince and Princess meet teams Tokyo Paralympics

Japanese Crown Prince Akihito and Empress Michiko meet representatives of the Australian Team during the Opening Ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games at Oda Field in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. Just behind the Empress is Ludwig Guttmann, the founder of the Paralympic movement.

Crown Prince Akihito meets teams Tokyo Paralympics

Members of the Australian Paralympic Team watch activities during the Opening Ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games at Oda Field in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo.

Australian Team watches Tokyo Games Opening Ceremony

The “Games for the paralysed”

Or the “Games for the physically handicapped”?

Daphne Ceeney archery Tokyo Paralympics

Australian Paralympic Team Member Roy Fowler aims at the target during an archery event at the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games, watched by Team Manager and remedial gymnast 'Johnno' Johnston (standing at far right). Fowler won a bronze medal with Lionel Cousins and John Martin in the men's St Nicholas Round team event.

Roy Fowler archery Tokyo Paralympics

Australian Paralympic Team Member Michael Dow lifts during the weighlifting competition. Dow won a silver medal in the Men's Featherweight with a lift of 95 kg. Australian Team members look on, with athletes from other countries. Team Manager 'Johnno' Johnston is wearing glasses and a white cap. Spectator facilities were very limited at some venues, including weightlifting.

Michael Dow Weightlifting Tokyo Paralympics

Australian Team Members at athletics Tokyo Paralympics

A wheelchair track race during the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Wheelchair race Tokyo Paralympics

Mather-Brown takes his basketball chair to the track

Athletes chat on the infield at the athletics track during the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Athletes chat Tokyo Paralympics

Meal ticket – Tokyo Paralympics

The dining experience Tokyo Paralympics

"The food, the games, everything was absolutely marvellous."

Daphne Hilton praises the running of the 1964 Tokyo Games

It was the first “Paralympic” Village – and it was “marvellous” also

An unknown competitor prepares to throw the discus during the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games. At that time, throwers competed in their day chairs, and relied on the assistance of able-bodied team officials to hold the chair stable while they threw. Athletes now use custom made throwing frames that are tethered to the ground.

Discus Tokyo Paralympics

Athletes warm up for the men's javelin event at the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games. On the left is an unknown Australian athlete and next to him is Gary Hooper, another member of the Australian Team.

Javelin warm-up Tokyo Paralympics

Wheelchair fencing action between two unknown athletes during the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games. Spectator facilities were virtually non-existent at some of the Games venues, including fencing, one of the original Paralympic sports.

Wheelchair fencing Tokyo Paralympics

"I could see a gold medal staring at me"

Frank Ponta on his fencing silver medal in Tokyo 1964

A player from an unknown team shoots a free throw in a wheelchair basketball game against the USA at the Yoyogi Indoor Stadium during the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Basketball free throw Tokyo Summer Paralympics

Scene at the swimming venue during a race during the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Swimming venue Tokyo Paralympics

Daphne Ceeney (later Hilton) - left - who won the silver medal, congratulates 14 year old Elizabeth Edmondson, who won gold in a world record time in the 50m Freestyle Prone Complete Class 5 swimming event at the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games. Edmondson remained the youngest Australian Paralympic gold medallist until 2012. Australian Team official Kevin Betts pushes Daphne Ceeney and 'Johnno' Johnston pushes Elizabeth Edmondson.

Ceeney and Edmondson handshake Tokyo Paralympics

3 gold medals; 3 world records; 14 years old in Tokyo

"Just get in there, do your job, and go home again"

Listen to Elizabeth Edmondson’s experience of the 1964 Tokyo Games

A telegram from the 1964 Australian Paralympic Team head of delegation, George Bedbrook, to the family os swimmer Elizabeth Edmondson, informing them of her success at the Games and plans for the return trip to Australia. Edmondson and Bedbrook were both from Western Australia. At 14, Edmondson was the youngest Australian Paralympic gold medallist until 2012. Telegram provided by Elizabeth Edmondson from her personal scrapbook.

A telegram from Dr Bedbrook

Action during a wheelchair basketball game between two unknown teams outside the Yoyogi Indoor Stadium during the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Wheelchair basketball Tokyo Paralympics

1964 Team Members passing on wisdom to 2012 athletes

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1968

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Australia sent nearly triple the number of competitors it sent to Tokyo, with a team of thirty-two athletes and eighteen support staff.

Australia at the 1968 Tel Aviv Paralympics

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List of the members of the 1968 Australian Paralympic Team for the Tel Aviv Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1968 Tel Aviv Paralympics Australian Team list

The medicos said "altitude is not for you"

Kevin Coombs on why the 1968 Paralympics were in Israel, not Mexico

"If I pay my way, can I come?"

Libby Kosmala on being overlooked despite winning nationals

Jeff Simmonds is carried onto the Qantas plane by Jack McCafferty and a Qantas staff member as the 1968 Australian Paralympic Team departs Australia for the Tel Aviv Paralympic Games

Jeff Simmonds boards for Tel Aviv Paralympics

The 1968 Australian Paralympic Team en route to the 1968 Games at the Hotel Intercontinental, Bangkok

Australian Team stopover, Tel Aviv Summer Paralympics

The cover of ther program for the 1968 Tel Aviv Paralympic Games shows that, at the time, the use of the word

Program cover for the Tel Aviv Paralympics

Australian Team Tel Aviv Opening Ceremony

"You could hear the guns going off in the distance"

Kevin Cunningham talks about the scary situations in Israel 1968

"They'll just shoot you Kevin, you don't know what they're doing"

Gary Hooper reflects on the security situation in Tel Aviv, 1968

Jeff Simmonds receives a Paralympic silver medal in Tel Aviv

And a Certificate of Achievement

Winning gold is my proudest moment

Bruno Moretti on the intricacies of the wheelchair slalom

Tony South receives his archery gold medal

Everytime you went away you'd learn from everyone

Frank Ponta talks about learning from other teams

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1970

Medals in five sports and other personal Edinburgh highlights

Hear Libby Kosmala talk about her experiences at the 1970 Commonwealth Paralympic Games

Bruno Moretti: Competitor to coach

Listen to Bruno Moretti discuss his Edinburgh selection woes and successful transition to coaching

1972

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The 1972 Games saw the start of a move away from ‘all-rounders’ to athletes specialising in events. Australia finished eleventh on the medal table.

Australia at the Heidelberg Summer Paralympics 1972

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List of the members of the 1972 Australian Paralympic Team for the Heidelberg Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1972 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List

When smoking cigars on the plane was part of the experience.

The athletes were still being carried from the planes

Games’ founder classifying athletes

Honouring the beginning of the Games

Australian Wheelpast Heidelberg Summer Paralympics

Staying dry during the opening ceremony

Carpark or archery field?

On target for another medal

Alan Conn added to his Archery medal tally

A clever solution to getting athletes into buses

Pushing up a ramp easier than being carried

Getting the start just right

And then they’re off! In the 1972 wheelchair dash.

Frank Ponta's 1972 nomination woes may have cost him a medal

Hear Frank Ponta talk about missing out on the pentathlon at the 1972 Heidelberg Paralympics

Competing also means waiting

Giddy gets silver

Precision javelin – where accuracy matters more than distance

GALLERY: How to stabilise a thrower’s chair

Lithgow boy makes good

Elaine Schreiber full of concentration

Tracey Freeman won 3 gold medals with 3 world records

The ‘father’ of Paralympic sport in Australia

Darts with a bow and arrows

Cherrie Ireland Competes in Wheelchair Slalom

Supporting their teammates

The 1972 Paralympic swimming venue – a lot like your local aquatic centre

Eric Boulter won Australia’s only swimming gold medal

Pauline English was Australia’s youngest in Heidelberg

Pauline English with one of her three bronze medals

Terry Mason weightlifting

Lawn bowls was an indoor event in Heidelberg

Table Tennis is one of the original Paralympic sports

Ray Barrett waits for onsite repairs

Up against the best in the Basketball

Action from the basketball game against the USA

GALLERY: Tracey Freeman was the Australian star of the 1972 Paralympics

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1976

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Forty-eight Australian athletes competed at the 1976 Paralympics, including amputee and vision impaired athletes for the first time.

Australia at the Toronto Summer Paralympics 1976

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List of the members of the 1976 Australian Paralympic Team for the Toronto Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1976 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List

Time for a group photo before a long journey

Pocket from Pauline English’s 1976 team blazer

Whatever the venue, teams always spend time waiting for the opening ceremony

Ludwig Guttmann speaks at the opening ceremony

Even his lucky hat didn’t help Roy in ’76

Before she was a shooting legend, Libby did other sports

Contemplation of the task ahead for Jago Mikulic

Watch Jago Mikulic literally run blind towards the finish line

GALLERY: Amputee technology in 1976

Tracey Freeman was Australia’s sprint queen in Toronto

But Freeman really cleaned up in the field events

“I might have broken the record.”

Martin and Oliver get set in the blue ribbon wheelchair sprint

But neither manage to make it into the final

Peter Marsh gets the bronze medal .. and a pat on the back

Eric Russell puts everything into another gold medal performance

When Eric Russell refused to accept a gold medal

"I told him what he could do with his Games and where he could put them"

Eric Russell tells the story of the Games’ biggest controversy

Murray Todd seems pleased with his silver medal

An efficient athlete transport system is a good start

Telex calls and typewriters in the media centre

Making their mark at the Etobicoke Lawn Bowling Club

Another gold medal for the lawn bowls team

Chair skills in the wheelchair slalom

GALLERY: Wheelchair technology in 1976

Shooting is the ultimate sport of precision – and therefore equipment

Pauline English came from behind to snatch bronze in the medley

Ray Letheby serves one up

A wheelchair repair service was provided for athletes

Terry Mason lifts for bronze

Congratulations for Vic on a new world record and a gold medal

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Erin O’Neill, one of the Australian Team ‘hostesses’ for the 1976 Games, wrote about her experience with the Australian team.

The experience of a Games ‘hostess’ with the Australian team

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Looking for more about the 1976 summer Paralympics in Toronto? Here are some links you can visit and ideas to find out more.

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1980

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Fifty-three Australian athletes competed at the Arnhem Paralympics.

Australia at the Arnhem Summer Paralympics 1980

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List of the members of the 1980 Australian Paralympic Team for the Arnhem Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1980 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List

"We can't host it because ah, Russia doesn't have any disabled people"

George Dunstan on why the 1980 Games were in Arnhem, not Moscow

Sticker produced by the organising committee of the 1980 summer Paralympics -

Logo of the 1980 ‘Olympic Games for the Disabled’

Team members opened the airline menu to find this

Joe Egan led the Australian team in the opening ceremony

Only the wheelchair team marched in the opening ceremony

Front row seats for the opening ceremony

Just one member of the amputee team was allowed to march in the opening ceremony

"As an Australian team, they were very fragmented"

Don Perriman tells of the teams within the team

More than just the sport – there was a cultural program too

What is it with archers and the hats they wear?

“One bad arrow can mean disaster”

GALLERY: Quadriplegia requires unique solutions for archer Trewhella

The fast men of the track had one thing in common – beards!

Product placement – Mike Nugent wins in the chair he built

Nugent and Alp receive their medals for the 200m

A special courage – jumping blind

Perfectly balanced and ready to let fly

Wayne Patchett was Australia’s most successful athlete in Arnhem

In 1980, there was ne’er a blade runner to be seen

The start of the controversial re-run of the 100m Class C final at the 1980 summer Paralympics in Arnhem. Australian Joe Egan (3rd from right) controversially threw his starting blocks onto the track to disrupt the original running of the final when he was prevented from running after he had not been told he was in the race. After the race was run, Egan's protest was upheld and the race was re-run. Egan won the bronze medal. Also in the race was New Zealander John Eden (second from right), who would subsequently move to Australia in 1982 and compete for Australia at 4 Games. Image courtesy of Paul Bird from his personal collection.

But there was controversy nevertheless

Head to head in the wheelchair slalom

‘Poppa’ would never again be there to oversee the Games in person

Got a ‘?’ – this is the place to ask

A good transport system is essential at any Paralympics

Caspers and Kosmala were at home on the range

Barbara Caspers, ready for business

She used to be an archer, so maybe that explains Libby’s headwear choice

You allowed a cameraman where?

Competition standard was high but the scoreboard was basic

Australian team members in their dormitory room during the 1980 summer Paralympics in Arnhem. Each athlete had a single or a bunk bed and a locker. This room was shared by 12 team members. Left to right: Mr Roberts (amputee team manager), Charlie Tapscott, Rene Andres (in wheelchair), Joe Egan (front), unknown on bed. Image courtesy of Paul Bird from his personal collection.

The accommodation wasn’t too fancy either

Tip-off, Australia vs USA

Size isn’t everything, but it helps in basketball

A moment from the game between the Australian and USA in wheelchair basketball at the 1980 summer Paralympics shows the stage of evolution of basketball chairs in 1980. The USA won easily, 87-36.This image is a still from a film made by Donald Worley about Australia's participation at the 1980 Summer Paralympics in Arnhem, Netherlands.

Basketball was a different game in 1980 and so was the equipment

Carolyn Connors guided to the start of the 100m freestyle

"The term they used was escort"

George Dunstan on the days when there were no coaches – just escorts

You can almost feel the drama at the weightlifting

A moment of truth for Brian McNicholl

Back at the athletics, it was a wet, wet track

Australian wheelchair athlete Sue Hobbs (centre) pursues eventual gold medallist Juana Soto of Mexico and to win a silver medal in the women's Class 5 1500m at the 1980 summer Paralympics. Behind Hobbs is Curtiss of the USA, who finished third. Hobbs won three silver medals in athletics at the Games.This image is a still from a film made by Donald Worley about Australia's participation at the 1980 Summer Paralympics in Arnhem, Netherlands.

But there was a silver lining for Sue Hobbs

And you could see the race up close if you wanted to stand trackside

Erich Hubel takes silver behind an amazing new world record in the 800m

GALLERY: The weird and the wonderful world of sport wheelchair design in 1980

"I'd take my everyday wheels off and put the racing wheels on"

Julie Russell on racing in a ‘convertible’ day chair

The Games Village even had its own daily newspaper

From the track to the dance floor – in the same chair

A memento of the Games – friendship, unity, sportsmanship

Letter from the Australian Prime Minister to Australian Paralympian Paul Bird after his return from the 1980 summer Paralympics. Each Australian athlete who competed at the Games received this letter, personally signed by the Prime Minister.

Appreciation from the PM

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1984

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Australia took a team of 58 athletes to the VII World Wheelchair Games, in Stoke Mandeville, and a team of 66 to the International Games for the Disabled, in New York.

Australia at the Stoke Mandeville and New York Summer Paralympics 1984

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List of the members of the 1984 Australian Paralympic Team for the New York Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1984 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List New York City/ Stoke Mandeville

"So it really didn't feel like a Paralympic Games"

Don Perriman on how the 1984 Games were split by an ocean

The first part of the 1984 Games was in New York

A plethora of Australian flags at the opening ceremony in New York

US President Ronald Reagan opened the Games in New York

Looking sharp in their opening ceremony clobber

Personal identity and accreditation card for Joe Egan

The amputee section was the largest and most successful in New York

Egan gets bronze in a blanket finish in the men’s A4 100m

Relay gold and the first Paralympic gold medal by an Indigenous Australian

Did spectators pay extra for a track-side view?

Just a minute Peter Trotter, shouldn’t you be in Stoke Mandeville?

Making a new friend in New York

“Home” during the Games

Move over Elizabeth, as young Anne makes a splash

Skateboards and Paralympic medals at the pool

The Closing Ceremony – a chance to have fun

The wheelchair competition was an ocean away, in England

GALLERY: Handwritten congratulations to the selected team

Just the one Aussie flag carried at the Stoke Mandeville opening

The Games opens, and Kevin Coombs gives Prince Charles a hat

Susan Davies added to Australia’s medal tradition in Archery

And Eric Klein continued the tradition of distinctive hats

The track team, ready to roll in Stoke Mandeville

Alan Dufty set the pace on the track

Peter Trotter saets off on the final leg of the 4x400m relay at the 1984 summer Paralympics. The Australian team finished third, some distance behind the first two teams, but still under the previous world record. This image is a still from a film made by Donald Worley about Australia's participation at the 1984 Summer Paralympics in Stoke Mandeville, England.

And Peter Trotter added a full set of individual medals

The satisfaction of a world record for Mike Nugent

A famous victory at the home of the Paralympic movement

Was Mike Nugent channelling this guy?

A touch on the shoulder and on the way

Thin was in for racing chairs, but so was feet first

Well, a Ferrari from those days looks a bit dated also…

Big Terry winds up for discus gold

Always good to have your teammates behind you, especially in javelin

Tip-off, as Australia takes on Great Britain in basketball

A scene for the wheelchair basketball game between Australian and Great Britain at the 1984 summer Paralympics. Great Britain won the game. This image is a still from a film made by Donald Worley about Australia's participation at the 1984 Summer Paralympics in Stoke Mandeville, England.

Reclassification of several players affected the basketball team’s line-ups

Libby Kosmala lets nothing distract her from dominating her sport

And Barbara Caspers chimed in with four shooting golds of her own

Wayne Ryding was one of just two Aussie gold medalists in the Stoke Mandeville pool

“Marathon runners, on your marks…” for the first Paralympic marathon

Jan Randles examines her raw hands after winning the women's class 4 wheelchair marathon at the 1984 summer Paralympics. It was the first Paralympic Games marathon. This image is a still from a film made by Donald Worley about Australia's participation at the 1984 Summer Paralympics in Stoke Mandeville, England.

Jan Randles was Australia’s first female marathon gold medallist

Welcome home for Caspers and Kosmala

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1988

"I had to go to the meeting and withdraw my application"

Dr John Grant on Australia’s bid to host the 1988 Paralympics

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At a national level, the Seoul Paralympic Games were significant, as they represented a concerted effort to organise, fund and send a truly national Australian team.

Australia at the Seoul Summer Paralympics 1988

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List of the members of the 1988 Australian Paralympic Team for the Seoul Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1988 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List

The 1988 team was the best funded to that time due to a national effort

And the fundraising efforts generated lots of photo opportunities

"It was really disability specific, which really didn't sit well with me."

But Australia again sent a team separated into disability sub-teams, as Chris Nunn explains

The Seoul Games were the first to be officially called “Paralympics”

South Korea was rapidly modernising but that brought its own issues

GALLERY: Opening ceremony of the Seoul Paralympics

Let the athletics begin – Australia’s premier sport in Seoul

"I'm going to win a gold medal. I really, really have to race."

Norma Beer tells the extraordinary story of Deahnne McIntyre’s path to gold

From the operating table to the dais – the amazing Games of Deahnne McIntyre

Jane Buckley and David Goodman seem pleased with how things are going

And why not? The VI athletes had a great Games

There were medals to show off

And places to go

If you wanted to fly

Or keep your feet on the ground

Bruce Wallrodt had to be tied down

Before he rose above his competition

GALLERY: But the rock stars of the Australian team were the ‘Awesome Foursome’

"It really changed my life in the way I look at other people and what can be achieved."

Chris Nunn talks about how coaching in Seoul hooked him on Paralympic sport

For the first time, an Australian TV network sent a crew to the Games

Libby provided another good news story at the shooting

And Stan’s win made the Kosmalas the first ever married gold medalists

In wheelchair basketball, Australia was seeking to close the gap

The game against Argentina was positive

Even if it had its moments

David Gould played the second Paralympics of his long career

And our basketballers didn’t lack for local supporters

Organisation and coordination was a strong feature of the Seoul Games

In transport, an old and tested method was used to quickly load wheelchair users

At the pool, a future swimming hall of famer waits to be announced

While the race is on – towels, tracksuits, crutches and legs await

Greg Hammond won two of Australia’s five swimming gold medals

Legs in the basket and game faces on

The frenzy of a 4x50m freestyle relay

In the Village, the Chef de Mission had plenty to keep him occupied

While others get to grips with computer technology

And away from the Village, young Koreans meet the Paralympians

Or back at the track, it seems the era of ‘gentlemen racers’ has returned

But no-one told Peter Trotter

Richard Cordukes looks relaxed before this race

Three Australians contested the 100m final for leg amputees

Robert Biancucci proved his versatility from 200m to 1500m

Be prepared – bring a spare leg

Rodney Nugent on his way to one of his seven medals in Seoul

The drama of performing in the big arena

Another Games, another javelin medal for Donna Smith

Carmel Williams was Australia’s only female table tennis player in a team of nine

The 1988 Australian team symbol was a play on the official Games mascots

"I really came back from that trip fired up about making a difference."

Chris Nunn talks about the changes that needed to be made to be more successful

The final Games for Don Worley, capturing images and film from 1972

GALLERY: “The flame that lit the world … is now slowly burning out.”

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1992

"I just couldn't believe how people were so supportive."

Adrienne Smith tells how she secured the final money for the 1992 summer Games

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The Australian team comprised 134 athletes and 41 staff, including the first Paralympic appearance by the national women’s basketball team.

Australia at the Barcelona Summer Paralympics 1992

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List of the members of the 1992 Australian Paralympic Team for the Barcelona Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1992 Summer Barcelona Paralympics Australian Team list

Australian Team marching at the opening ceremony at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games

A gaggle of legends among Australian Team officials at the opening ceremony

Strutting the infamous Barcelona Team uniform in the opening ceremony

Australian athletics athlete Alison Quinn holding the boxing kangaroo flag at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games

15 year old Alison Quinn flies the flag in Barcelona

Australian athletics athlete Mark Whiteman running at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games

GALLERY: Dramatic finish of the TS1 100m with Mark Whiteman and Kerrod McGregor

Grunnsund goes from winter to summer, the hard way

On the podium again, Russell Short won gold in both discus and shot put

Australian athletics athlete Kerrod McGregor in the long jump at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games

Kerrod McGregor just missed a third long jump medal

Australian athlete Darren Thrupp shows off the gold medal he won at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games in the men's C7/C8 (F37/F38) long jump.

And Darren Thrupp won his first

Kieran Modra throws the javelin

And then Modra heads to the pool

Jason Diederich flew for silver

Swimming introduced a functional classification system in Barcelona

Tracy Barrell won two gold medals in the pool

Tracey Cross gets a hand from a volunteer

Kelly Barnes and Michelle Bate had their battle faces on

Judith Young leaves the blocks

Anne Currie won three gold medals

Priya Cooper, about to make a splash at her first Games

Mandy Maywood goes high off the blocks for another medal

Australian team portrait at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games

The Australian Team ‘portrait’ in Barcelona

Always keep your leg close – John Eden stretches between throws

Brad Thomas launches the shot

A common site in Barcelona – Louise Sauvage leads the pack

After the race, Sauvage is now the centre of a different pack

On the podium, shot put Gold medallist Jodi Willis-Roberts

Get that outta here – Bruce Wallrodt throws the discus for silver

Pink was in fashion but so was gold for Donna Smith

Boss of the track – Louise Sauvage after another race in Barcelona

Hobbs and Carter tangle in Barcelona

There’s no way through for Donna Ritchie either

And Coralie Churchett seems worried about her options

David Gould looks to score under intense pressure

But Troy Sachs is there for the rebound

Michael Callahan finds some space

Ray Epstein benches almost three times his body weight

Csaba Bobary was Australia’s sole Table Tennis player

Lyn Coleman watches the outcome of her throw

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Australia placed at the top of the medal tally at the Madrid Paralympic Games for athletes with an intellectual disability.

Australia at the Madrid Paralympic Games 1992

Our stories

List of the members of the 1992 Australian Paralympic Team for the Madrid Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1992 Madrid Paralympics Australian Team list

The “Community of Madrid” was ready for the Games to begin

An indoor opening ceremony

The baton was passed to Madrid

Russell Torrance from Western Australia runs a leg of the 4x100m men's relay for Australia at the 1992 Madrid Paralympic Games for Persons with Mental Handicap.

And Russell Torrance is off!

Paul Mitchell seemed to float to silver in the 1500m

While Anton Flavel throws himself into his work

And enjoys the rewards of his labours

But it wasn’t all completely smooth running for the Aussies

It was Futsal’s only Paralympic appearance and Australia was there

Although boomerang throwing was only for demonstration

Team staff in the office had plenty of supervision

GALLERY: Scenes from the successful women’s basketball campaign

The boomerangs didn’t reach the same heights as the Pearls

Victorian Rodney Meddings (#9) brings the ball into the front court for the Australian Boomerangs in the game against Great Britain at the 1992 Madrid Paralympic Games for Persons with Mental Handicap. The Boomerangs, Australia's national men's team for players with an intellectual disability, defeated GB 65-20, but finished seventh in the tournament.

Rodney Meddings brings the ball down the floor

John Lettice puts up a shot

The pool was where Australia was at its winningest

And one man stood above the rest

Twenty medals between them – our greatest medal winners

The men dominated the swimming relays

The women chimed in with two relay medals

After the Games there were presentations

A Team photo

And recognition of a special achievement

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1993

The Sydney bid process was politically difficult

On 12 September 1993, the bidding nations for the 2000 summer Paralypics made their final presentations to the International Paralympic Committee in Berlin. Australia was represented in berlin by this team: (L to R) Paul Griffiths, George Dunstan, Adrienne Smith, Bob Elphinston, Marie Little, Brendan Burkett (back), Ron Finneran, Unknown, Paul Bird, Anne Green.

The final pitch for Paralympics was two weeks before the Olympic decision

"They will underwrite the Sydney 2000 Games."

Ron Finneran on the assurance that got Australia’s bid over the line.

"I prayed we wouldn't get it."

Adrienne Smith had had enough by the time the bid was done.

1996

Our stories

In the lead-up to the 1996 Atlanta Summer Paralympic Games, the APF innovatively altered its approach to developing athlete performance.

Australia at the Atlanta Summer Paralympics 1996

Our stories

List of the members of the 1996 Australian Paralympic Team for the Atlanta Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

1996 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List

The Australian Team is formally welcomed to the Games Village

You could feel the excitement in the Australian camp from Day 1

Libby Kosmala led the Australian team into the opening ceremony

The Australian team marches in the opening ceremony

The Aussies were out of the blocks and full of running

David “Clock” Evans on his way to gold in the 1500m

Katrina Webb had a great story and a great Games

Australian athlete Bruce Wallrodt (Western Australia) prepares to throw in the F53 seated javelin event in which he won the bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games

Bruce Wallrodt was part of the dominant throws group

Australian athlete Terry Giddy (New South Wales) competes in the F55 seated discus throw event at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games in which he finished fourth

Veteran Terry Giddy just missed a medal in discus

Australian shooting team, Atlanta Paralympics

Australian F33 athlete Stephen Eaton competes in the discus seated throwing event at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games in which he won a bronze medal

Young gun Stephen Eaton started his Paralympic career with discus bronze

It was to be the final Games for lawn bowls

June Clark and Pauline Cahill were Australia’s lawn bowls medalists

The lawn bowls chairs were built for the sport

Ashley Adams rests between shots, Atlanta 1996

James Nomarhas rests between shots, Atlanta 1996

Keith Bremner shoots, Atlanta Paralympics

Libby Kosmala shoots, Atlanta Paralympics

Peter Worsley shoots, Atlanta Paralympics

Keeping the athletes fed is a big operation

The dining tent is a fuel stop and a social hub

Mmmm – Amy Winters and Tim Matthews seem to have nailed ‘healthy eating’

Meanwhile, at the open air velodrome, it was brutally hot

For Chris Scott, plenty of water was the answer

Lamond and Lepore went for damp towels

While Sandra Smith and Terri Poole took a more ‘ladylike’ approach

Which was not so evident in their response to winning two gold medals

The start of the ‘Modra era’ in cycling

And the Homann and Scott eras as well

Transport wasn’t quite as smooth as it had been at other Games

The “Gruesome Twosome” on their way to Australia’s first Boccia medal

Not so gruesome now!

Anthony Clarke on his way to another first for Australia in judo

The proud judo team – Anthony Clarke with coach Trevor Kschammer

Back at the Village, there was work to be done

While yet another sport made history

Rollers’ captain Sandy Blythe was in control

The Aussie supporters made their presence felt in the stands

And so did Banjo, the Australian Team mascot

Troy Sachs has the honour of cutting down the net

There was less noise at the goalball

But plenty of action and excitement as Australia’s men made the medal round

The women’s goalball team didn’t fare quite as well

The heat was on at the tennis, as well

Two medals, but gold eluded David Hall in Atlanta

Unusual tennis footwear for Di Toro as she and Hinson finish 4th in doubles

A visit from the Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics

And a visit from the APF President

It was difficult for the equestrian team to feel part of the wider team

Wheelchair rugby was a demonstration sport

Humble beginnings for the Australian wheelchair rugby team

Powerlifting contributed to the medal tally through veteran Brian McNicholl

Women’s basketball was at its second Games and Australia just missed a medal

Amanda Carter hustles for the ball on defence

Liesl Tesch is a picture of concentration

There was plenty to celebrate at the pool as well

Priya Cooper was again the star of the swimming team

Cameron de Burgh steadies on the blocks

Scott Brockenshire leaves the blocks

It was time to get serious when Brendan Burkett got a head shave

Melissa Carlton waits to be called onto the blocks for a race

Kingsley Bugarin stands at the top of the podium again in Atlanta

Our highly skilled and professional medical staff are here to serve you

The physical therapies treatment room in action during the Games

Back at the track, there was one clear star for Australia

Louise Sauvage celebrates another victory

The heat was relentless but so were the Aussies

Racing wheelchair design had taken a big leap by Atlanta

And running legs were still a work in progress

Having professional coaches was a big advantage for Australia

The ABC had been there to capture it all

The flag was passed to Sydney

Then it was time to party

The team was welcomed home with parades around Australia

Louise Sauvage was recognised as Paralympian of the Year

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1999

To help create identity, the Australian Team would have its own logo

2000

Our stories

Sydney was Australia’s most successful Games, improving on the Atlanta performance to top the medal tally for the first time in Paralympic history.

Australia at the Sydney Summer Paralympics 2000

Our stories

List of the members of the 2000 Australian Paralympic Team for the Sydney Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

2000 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List

© Sport the library/Bill BachmanSydney 2000 Paralympic GamesOpening CeremonyAustralia - Brendan Burkett - Swimming, carrying the flag

GALLERY: The opening ceremony celebrated Australia and its culture.

"We did a bit of a pat of the back for that"

Adrienne Smith recalls the feelings of achievement at the opening of the 2000 Games.

© Sport the library/Bill BachmanSydney 2000 Paralympic GamesOpening Ceremony - Stadium Australia

GALLERY: Sydney’s venues were spectacular and often full

Greg Ball competes in Cycling at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Sports benefitted from access to technology

John and Janette Howard in attendance at the Cycling event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Australia had the support of its Prime Minister and Mrs Howard

Darren Harry and Paul Clohessy in action during the cycling at the Sydney Summer Paralympics;

Clohessy and Harry start Australia’s gold rush

But it wasn’t a smooth ride for Kerry and Kieran Modra

At the athletics, it was all going Australia’s way

The CP boys joined the party

Albert Lee serves during the Sitting Volleyball competition at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Every point in volleyball starts with a serve

The Australian team in action against Libya in the Sitting Volleyball competition at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Sitting volleyball – a lot of people and a lot of action in a small space

The Australian Team competes in the Sitting Volleyball competition at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Blocking is all about sitting reach in sitting volleyball

Nick Maroney made his first poster play before the Games started

Nicholas Maroney shoots during the Basketball for athletes with an Intellectual Disability event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Doing it for real – Nick Maroney gets another poster shot against Greece

Lee Collins take a shot during the Basketball for athletes with an Intellectual Disability event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Lee Collins shows he can take it to the rim too

Suzanne Twelftree competes in Powerlifting at the Sydney Summer Paralympics

Suzanne Twelftree positions herself

Natalie Cordowiner competes in Archery at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Natalie Cordowiner continued the tradition of archers and their hats

Arthur Fisk takes a shot during the Archery at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

While Arthur Fisk was a large presence in the archery competition

Women's Wheelchair Basketball team compete in Sydney Summer Paralympics

The Gliders campaign was off to a good start

Matthew Gray. Greg Ball and Paul Lake in action during the Cycling competition at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

The start of a team sprint gold medal ride

Tania Modra and Sarnya Parker in action during the Cycling at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Tania Modra and Sarnya Parker on their way to gold

Australian swimmer Amanda Fraser competes in the S7 200IM at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, 20 October 2000

Amanda Fraser’s first Games was as a swimmer

David Rolfe in action during the Swimming at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

His first Games, but David Rolfe was the ‘old man’ of the swim team

Kate Bailey competing in the Swimming at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Reflections of Kate Bailey

Kingsley Burgarin competes in Swimming at the Sydney Summer Paralympics

Kingsley Bugarin dominated the men’s SB12 breaststoke event

Karni Liddell and Cameron de Burgh made waves in another pool

Troy Sachs (AUS) dives Wheelchair Basketball Sydney 2000

Troy Sachs took to the air for this lay-up

© Sport the library/Ryan GormlySydney 2000 Paralympic GamesWheelchair Basketball, Day 03, Aus v KorAustralia Celebrate

And the Rollers accounted for Korea

© Sport the library/Jeff CrowSydney 2000 Paralympic GamesAthletics, Day 2 October 20thShot put, Don Elgin (AUS)

Shot put was one of Don’s six events – in addition to the pentathlon

Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games Athletics - visually impaired sprinter Gerrard Gosens (AUS) with his guide/lead runner

For Gerrard Gosens, athletics is a team sport

The Football and Hockey venue at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

A magnificent venue for a thrilling football contest

Jason Rand competing for the ball during the Football at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

It was all the way when the Drillers played Spain

It was a shed but it was also the best ever boccia venue in Australia

Scott Elsworth in action during the Boccia at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Scott Elsworth played an epic match in the quarterfinals

Officials measuring during the Boccia competition at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

In Boccia, millimetres matter

Angie McReynolds concentrates as she releases the ball

Jamie Dunross, Noel Robbins and Graeme Martin compete in the Sailing in Sydney Harbor at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

The perfect backdrop for Australia’s first sailing gold medal

Jamie Dunross, Noel Robins and Graeme Martin in action during the Sailing competition at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Smooth as a Sunday sail

Peter Thompson competes in the Sailing at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Closer to the water, Peter Thompson felt the spray in his beard

Anthony Clarke fights Ian Rose in the Judo competition at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Anthony Clarke goes down fighting

Rob Crestani shoots during a Goalball match at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

The goalball get under way and Rob Crestani unleashes

Louise Savage competing in the Wheelchair Track 800m T54 final at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Louise Sauvage waits for her chance in the 800m

"You thought, 'That's a pretty monumental change in people's thinking.'"

Scott Goodman talks about the attention on Sauvage and the Games

Greg Smith in action during the Wheelchair Track event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Greg Smith was on his way to three gold medals

Fabian Blattman picked up a full set of medals on the track

thletics - wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley (AUS) with Australian flag

Kurt Fearnley launched his career at the Sydney Games

Sydney 2000 Paralympic GamesWheelchair Basketball, Day 4Liesl Tesch (AUS)

The Gliders continued to play with passion and confidence

© Sport the library/Tom PuttSydney 2000 Paralympic GamesWheelchair BasketballPeter Corr (AUS, Coach)

The Gliders’ coaching staff matched the intensity of the players

Steve Neal in action during a Standing Volleyball match at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Steven Neal was the star of Australia’s standing volleyball team

Grant Prest spikes the ball during the Standing Volleyball competition at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Grant Prest tests the block

The Australian Team prepare to return a serve during the Standing Volleyball event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Prest’s leg technology interfaced with his volleyball shoes

Priya Cooper competing in the Swimming at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Despite injury, Priya Cooper still owned the S8 400m freestyle

Siobhan Paton celebrates after her Swimming event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Siobhan Paton celebrates victory from her favourite lane

Siobhan Paton was Australia’s star in the pool

Bradley Lee is in control

Up in the air #1: Brett Wilson launches

Lisa Lorens does a backflip during the High Jump event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Up in the air #2: Lisa Llorens’ celebration – almost as spectacular as her performance

Neil Fuller competes in the track at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Neil Fuller was maybe Australia’s greatest ‘blade runner’

4 x 4oom T46 Mens track team members Stephen Wilson, Neil Fuller, Tim Matthews and Heath Frances at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

It was double gold for the men’s amputee relay track team

Robyn Stephens in action during the Goalball event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics

Robyn Stephens concentrates on her shot

Warren Lawton dives to save the ball during Goalball at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Warren Lawton saves a penalty

Coach Terry Kenaghan in discussion with team during the Goalball event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

The ‘father’ of Australian goalball got to coach at a home Games

Jo Ruba dives to block the ball during Goalball at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Jo Ruba makes a save

Kerri-Ann King competes in the Goalball at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Kerrie-Ann King hunts the ball

The tradition of the team newsletter continued for Sydney – in style

Julie Higgins celebrates Gold Medal in Equestrian at Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Julie Higgins won Australia’s first (and second) Equestrian gold medal

Sue Ellen Lovett competes in a dressage Equestrian event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Sue-Ellen Lovett went from the long track to the arena

Bill Medley reaches for a shot during the Wheelchair Table Tennis event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Lack of international competition told in table tennis

Australian track athlete Amy Winters celebrates her gold medal win at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, Day 08. This was either the 100 m T46 or 200 m T46 event (Winters won gold in both).

Amy Winters owned the women’s T46 sprints

Katrina Webb celebrates relay win with Alison Quinn infront of the home crowd.

Katrina Webb and Alison Quinn soak up the atmosphere after finishing 1-2 in the 100m

Athletics head coach Chris Nunn talk to athlete at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

The face of success – athletics head coach Chris Nunn

"My only disappointment was, we couldn't take on the universe."

Chris Nunn on the reasons for Australia’s Sydney success

Australian athletes sign autographs for school children at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Schoolchildren meet their heroes at ‘Ansett House’

The Rollers came up against the USA in the must-win quarter-finals

That gold medal feeling for Daniel Polson

"To prove our worth in the big world we needed to match them on the road as well."

Coach Kevin McIntosh talks about the road cycling

Daniella Di Toro Branka Pupovac (AUS) gold medals Wheelchair Tennis Sydney 2000

Shines like silver for Di Toro and Pupovac

David Hall celebrates during the Wheelchair Tennis Sydney Summer Paralympics

David Hall was at his peak in Sydney

And the crowds loved him

David Johnson’s sweet backhand helped him to doubles silver

A spectator with an assistance dog enjoys the Wheelchair Tennis competition at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

There was a big effort to make the facilities ‘disability friendly’

"I'm so proud that Australia put on the best Paralympics ever!"

Libby Kosmala on how the athletes’ Village made Sydney special

Wheelchair Rugby, the most ‘in your face’ sport at the Games

Kahi Puru in action during the Powerlifting competition at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Kahi Puru – a study in concentration

Richard Nicholson in action during the Powerlifting event at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Richard Nicholson lifts for silver

The Womens Australian Basketball team celebrate their Silver medal win at the Sydney Summer Paralympics.

Australia’s first ever women’s basketball medal – the start of a tradition

Dubberley and Hucks apply the pressure in the wheelchair rugby final

© Sport the library/Bill BachmanSydney 2000 Paralympic GamesWheelchair Rugby, Day 10Brad Dubberley (AUS)

Hands up who’s here to win?

© Sport the library/Ryan GormlySydney 2000 Paralympic GamesWheelchair Rugby, FinalAustralian Team presentation

Australia’s best ever result to then – but not what they came for

"We took them from nowhere and had a goal to develop them..."

Brendan Flynn explains how the rugby program was created

"The Paralympic movement is no longer just about rehabilitation."

Nick Dean reflects on how Sydney transformed the Paralympic movement

© Sport the library/Bill BachmanSydney 2000 Paralympic GamesClosing CeremonyAthletes on track

GALLERY: Now, the carnival is over

"The rebirthing of Paralympic sport as a sport ... clearly was 2000."

Brendan Flynn talks about the Sydney Games’ place in history

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2004

“Ma fissika” – the familiar words in the lead-up to the Games

The Acropolis was made accessible to welcome Paralympic visitors

Our stories

Australia collected 101 medals in total at the 2004 Athens Summer Paralympics, placing second overall and fifth on the gold-medal tally.

Australia at the Athens Summer Paralympics 2004

Our stories

List of the members of the 2004 Australian Paralympic Team for the Athens Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

2004 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List

The worst team photo, ever?

Australia’s team captains and opening ceremony flag bearer

The Australian team is welcomed to the Village

GALLERY: At the opening ceremony, the Australians matched the Games’ casual, relaxed mood

And drums. There were lots of drums.

Hou and Lindsay win Australia’s first medal of the Games

Peter Brooks achieved his dream in the pursuit

GALLERY: The Kieran Modra Athens’ story – in pictures and words

The Gliders had a stirring one point win over the USA

While the Rollers were tipping off their campaign with some good wins

Gold for the minute man, Ben Austin

The swim team was full of fresh-faced talent

Would Chantel be the ‘new Priya’?

There was no doubt – the biggest rising star was Matt Cowdrey

At the athletics, some familiar faces continued their winning ways

By enduring

By doing the same things…

And by doing them better three Games in a row

We all wanted a photo with Jan Pike and Dr Doulittle

The shooting venue was state-of-the-art

As were the performances of Ashley Adams

GALLERY: Village life – wide open spaces, esky surfing and the blind leading the blind

Silver for ‘Bear’

The sailing was conducted in another, spectacular, purpose built venue

On the water, it’s time for tactics and skill

Back in the Village, the physical therapies team worked their miracles in the basement

An underground garage was the team’s first ever recovery centre

Troy Sachs suffers for his sport

David Hall finished his Paralympic career with another two medals

And Danni Di Toro claimed her first singles medal

At the cycling, the medals kept coming Australia’s way

And so did the drama

The team sprint team was so dominant that “Gecko” stepped aside in the final

"Peter and I had been friends for so long, it just seemed like the right thing to do."

Chris Scott tells how his action earned a rebuke from his personal coach

Australia soared to its best athletics ranking at an away Games

Relays are a traditional strength for Australian teams

Smiles before the start of the women’s 800m final – Sauvage vs Petitclerc

There weren’t so many smiles at the wheelchair rugby

But there was lots of support for the Australians

Things went better at the basketball

The Aussie fans were out in force

The Rollers were back on the dais

Athens in 2004 – great venues, wide open spaces and big crowds

The roads of Athens could be a place for a ride …

A place for a chat …

A place for a lie down …

Or a place for one of the great performances of the Games

Congratulations from the Chef de Mission on a job well done

Then it was all over and time to pick up some souvenirs

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2005

After Athens the APC went looking for talent (and found it)

2006

The APC took responsibility for a coordinated approach to classification

2007

An education program would create a base of understanding and support

A new tagline for an awareness campaign leading to Beijing

"They said I'd never live a normal life..."

Three powerful radio ads were played thousands of times around Australia

The Prime Minister announced the largest ever funding increase for Paralympic sport

2008

Key sports had their own team announcements for the Beijing Games

The UNBELIEVABLE print campaign kicked off as the Games approached

The TV ad was the final element of the UNBELIEVABLE campaign

The full Beijing team was launched by a new Prime Minister at Parliament House

Our stories

Australia’s team of 289 athletes and officials to the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games was the largest ever to an away Games.

Australia at the Beijing Summer Paralympics 2008

Our stories

List of the members of the 2008 Australian Paralympic Team for the Beijing Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

2008 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List

Almost like being there – feel the excitement of the opening ceremony

Performers during the opening ceremony of the the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

GALLERY: Beijing 2008 Opening Ceremony

Beijing Paralympic Games 2008, Women's 1km time trial Blind and Vision Impaired class - Australia's Aileen McGlynn and Lindy Hou take Silver and bronze medals respectively

The medals started coming on the first day for Australia at the cycling

Kieran Modra (vision impaired rider, back) and Tyson Lawrence (sighted pilot, front) acknowledge the crowd after their gold medal ride in the men's tandem pursuit at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Kieran Modra in a familiar position – winning Australia’s first gold medal of the Games

Australian Christopher Scott takes the Gold medal in the men's CP3 catagory cycling final on day one of the track competition at the Beijing Paralympic Games 2008.

Chris Scott was also in a familiar position – on the top of the podium

Beijing Paralympic Games 2008, Michael Milton above knee leg amputee competes in the men's 1km time trial (LC 3-4 catagory)

And for ‘Milto’, just being there was a huge achievement

The medallists in the men's S9 100m butterfly at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Left to right: Silver medallist Matthew Cowdrey from Australia, gold medallist Tamas Sors from Hungary and bronze medallist Zhi Guo from China. Sors set a new world record in winning the event, lowering the record he set in the morning's heats.

Matthew Cowdrey, Medal Ceremony Beijing Summer Paralympics

Daniela di Toro plays a backhand in her first round match at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Di Toro lost the match to Katharina Kruger of Germany.

Daniela di Toro, Beijing Summer Paralympics

Women’s S9 100m butterfly medallists

Photograph of wheelchair basketball player Clare Burzynski before the Australia v Brazil preliminary game at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Beijing is introduced to Australia’s Clare Burzynski

Cole and Williams embrace

Peter Leek 100m butterfly gold

Comedian Adam Hills in the Beijing Paralympic Village

Tristan Knowles Prepares to Pass

Scott Vitale Carries the Ball against New Zealand

Bryce Alman Moves with the Ball

Brad Ness Shoots Free Throw

Ryley Batt puts a Big Hit on New Zealand Opponent

Ryan Scott Takes the Ball Up

Lisa McIntosh Sprints Away in 100m Final

Richard Colman Competing in the T53 400m Final

Gliders line up pre-game for the national anthems

Grant Mizens 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games

Australian wheelchair basketballer Gauci looks to pass to Chaplin

Liesl Tesch shoots against the USA

Chris Mullins crosses the finish line in the 400m final

Chris Mullins at the start for the 400m final

Julie Smith crosses the finish line in the 100m final

Kieran Modra (vision impaired rider, back) and Tyson Lawrence (sighted pilot, front) during their gold medal ride in the men's tandem pursuit at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Tandem Pursuit Modra, Beijing Summer Paralympics

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2012

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List of the members of the 2012 Australian Paralympic Team for the London Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

2012 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List

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2016

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List of the members of the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team for the Rio Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.

2016 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List

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