By Paola Bassanese
On 5th September I attended an athletics event at the Olympic stadium as part of the London 2012 Paralympics.
Amongst the paralympians, the biggest cheer from the crowd went to David Weir, who won two gold medals and qualified in the 800m on the day.
It was interesting to witness the men’s heats T11/T13 4x100m relay with visually impaired runners. Earlier on in the morning I was almost run over by a Spanish relay athlete who was training before the heats.
A historic day for Great Britain and for Italy. As an Italian national, I supported gold medallist Assunta Legnante who set a new Paralympic world record for shot put. Watching the victory ceremony live from the Olympic stadium was emotional. In another venue, Brands Hatch, former Formula One driver Alex Zanardi won gold in hand-cycling.
After the athletics I went further to explore each corner of the Olympic park including Park Live (or Costa del British Airways I would call it!). I visited the Ottobock stand and exhibition, they are the manufacturers of prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs for Paralympians. Visitors could have a go at manouvering a wheelchair negotiating a simple obstacle course and going through a door (not as easy as you may think). Hand-cycling was also available to try.
I feel humbled and inspired by the incredible achievements of all Paralympians.
Starbucks at Westfield Shopping Centre Stratford displaying autographed coffee cups by Olympic and Paralympic athletes.