“I genuinely think that we have had a seismic effect on shifting public attitudes,” said London 2012 (LOCOG) chief Sebastian Coe. “I don’t think people will ever see sport in the same way. I don’t think they will ever see disability in the same way.”
Organisers had billed the Paralympics as the biggest and most high-profile since the first Games were held in Rome in 1960, with a record 4,200 athletes from more than 160 countries taking part. A total of 251 world records were set in 207 events going into the final day.
“We have created new stars. We have inducted them in a way to the world of sport. We set a goal to raise awareness. I really think we have done that, not just in elite sport but in helping in a way to convert some of these extraordinary talents into household names.”
‘Weirwolf’ wins marathon for four out of four
Meanwhile, Britain’s David Weir won the men’s wheelchair marathon for his fourth gold of the Games.
In a triumphant finish for the host nation, Weir – dubbed ‘the Weirwolf’ – claimed a clean sweep of four golds out of four races, completing the gruelling 42-kilometre course in one hour 30 minutes 20 seconds.
“It’s a dream come true,” said the 33-year-old. “Obviously I dreamt about winning all my races but it was going to be a tough order. I really had to dig deep.”
Weir, who was born with a severed spinal cord which left him unable to use his legs, won the T54 800m, 1,500m and 5,000m titles on the track.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2012.
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