London 2012: Second place finish and 103 medals target for ParalympicsGB

Sarah Shaffi, Olympics editor (news) Friday, August 17, 2012
9:34 AM

Britain’s Paralympians have been set a target of getting 103 medals and finishing second in the medal table at the Paralympic Games.

The target was set by UK Sport, the nation’s high performance sports agency, which also set targets for the Olympic Games.

Britain’s Paralympians have achieved a second place finish in the medal table in the past three Paralympic Games.

Liz Nicholl, chief executive of UK Sport, said: “Retaining second place on the medal table for the past three Paralympic Games has been a notable achievement for British athletes, especially given the ever increasingly competitive nature of Paralympic sport worldwide.

“With more countries investing time and resource into Paralympic sport and therefore contributing to the medal table, maintaining this standard of achievement in London should not be underestimated.

“The collective targets of all the Paralympic sports announced today show us that our Paralympians are in a great position to deliver more magical and inspirational performances to keep the overwhelming sense of national pride in Great Britain at an all-time high.

“Our Paralympians are among the best prepared and supported in the world; with cutting edge technology, science and medical support, excellent coaching, and the support of our enthusiastic home crowds, they are sure to be a force to be reckoned with on their home turf.”

The aim is to win the 103 medals from at least 12 different sports.

Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of the British Paralympic Association (BPA), said: “ParalympicsGB is going into these home Games better prepared through support from the National Lottery than ever before, and we are all ready to give everything to achieve our target of second in the medal table.

“Equally important is the fantastic news that our athletes will be competing in full venues.

“Winning medals in front of an excited home crowd will give us a great platform to help shift perceptions of Paralympic sport and ensure that our athletes get the recognition they deserve.”

The National Lottery, the government and Team 2012 funds from UK Sport have given £49million of backing to Britain’s Paralympic campaign towards London 2012.

Gareth Sheppard, Paralympic performance manager at British Cycling, said: “Funding from UK Sport and the National Lottery is vital to the past, current and future success of Paralympic cycling in this country.

“Without it we wouldn’t be able to have full-time athletes and support staff fully focused on being the best we can be in London.”