Heroes' welcome for the latest stars of Sydney
Quadruple British gold medallist Tanni Grey-Thompson insisted the Paralympics had come of age as the British team returned to a heroes' welcome yesterday with their best haul of medals.
The team of 214 athletes were met by cheering crowds at Heathrow, having won 131 medals, including 41 golds. It put them second in the medals table behind hosts Australia.
Grey-Thompson, who won gold in wheelchair races over 100metres, 200m, 400m and 800m, said: 'We had huge media attention in Sydney and the reception here has been incredible. It's a huge boost for us all.'
Double-sprint gold medallist and world record holder Lloyd Upsdell, a 17-year-old Essex schoolboy, said: 'It was such hard work to get to the Games but it was all worthwhile when I stood on the podium and when I see all the fans here today.'
Perhaps the growing importance of the Paralympics was reflected in the fact that 10 athletes were suspended after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
'It shows the intense pressure athletes are under to succeed,' said Grey-Thompson.
Spain's Paralympics swimming hero, who won five golds and broke four world records in Sydney, was yesterday revealed to be a former terrorist. El Pais newspaper said Sebastian Rodriquez Veloso was a former member of an extreme left-wing organisation and that 15 years ago he was sentenced to a total of 84 years in prison for his part in the murder of a businessman and for carrying out bombings in several Spanish cities.
He took part in a 432-day hunger strike 10 years ago, during which time he was force-fed and treated in hospital. His actions left him in a wheelchair and he was released early six years ago.
