Poland among the Paralympics' best-performing countries
PR dla Zagranicy
Anna Bierzańska
10.09.2012 18:00
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Poland among the best-performing countries at this year's Paralympics. Report by Danuta Isler.
Polish paralympians return home with 36 medals and hope that their success will call the public's attention to the issues of disabled persons. With audio report by Danuta Isler.
The organising committee reported record ticket sales during this years Paralympics in London. Photo: PAP/EPA/Tal Cohen
Cover: Natalia Partyka in action. Photo: PAP/EPA/JONATHAN BRADY
The 14th Paralympics drew to a close in London last night with record ticket sales, record crowds and the highest profile in the event's history.
The Polish team of 101 paralympians received a total of 36 medals (14 gold, 13 silver and 9 bronze), which placed them in ninth position in the overall medal ranking.
Polish Paralympics medals by discipline
- Athletics: 6 gold, 7 silver, 5 bronze (18)
- Table tennis: 3 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze (5)
- Cycling: 2 gold, 4 silver (6)
- Wheelchair fencing: 2 gold, 1 bronze (3)
- Swimming: 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze (3)
- Archery: 1 bronze (1)
Rafał Wilk (cycling), Mateusz Michalski (running), Patryk Chojnowski and Natalia Partyka (table tennis) were decorated twice.
Natalia Partyka competed in both the able-bodied and disabled Olympics this summer. "Everyone was counting on my performance and there was a lot of anxiety and emotions in my final game.
I am very happy because this victory did not come easy," the 23-year-old told the media, highlighting the fact that the pressure on paralympians is no less than on able-bodied competitors.
Despite little TV coverage, the Paralympics attracted considerable attention in Poland and paralympians expressed hopes that the event will help shift public attitudes towards disabled persons. More on the issue in the audio report from Danuta Isler.