Dwarf athletes selected for London 2012 Paralympics

As we approach the greatest show on earth, the London 2012 Olympics, the GB team has been announced and the dwarf athletes competing are now known.

We are sure you know some of the ones selected but so you know what to make a note of watching here are the athletes competing and their events.

To kick us off are our DSAuk patrons Ellie Simmonds MBE and Matthew Whorwood, they will both be in the aquatic centre swimming in the S6 class in several different events. After their success in Beijing four years ago, both these amazing swimmers will be hoping to perform well in London particularly in front of their home crowd.

Elle and Matt’s schedule

1st Spetember 400m freestyle

3rd September 200m Individual medley

4th September 50m Freestyle

8th September 100m Freestyle

They may also swim in the relay events, teams are chosen closer to the event.

Secondly competing in the field athletics will be Kyron Duke. He will take part in the shot and javelin events in the main stadium. Kyron has come a long way in relatively short time. He has competed at international events but never a Paralympic event before now. Probably his best chance of a medal is in the javelin. Watch out for him competing in the Olympic Stadium on the 6th & 7th September.

F40 Class Athletics schedule

31st August F40 Women’s Discus

4th September F40 Men’s Discuss

6th September F40 Men’s Shot Put

7th September F40 Men’s Javelin

8th September F40 Women’s Shot Put

The next two dwarf athletes to proudly represent Team GB are powerlifters Zoe Newson and Jason Irving. Jason is no stranger to international events having competed in both Commonwealth and Paralympic games before. After his fourth place in Beijing Jason hopes to bring home a medal from London in the under 67.5kg group. He has a silver Commonwealth games medal and hopes to go one better in 2012. Zoe Newson has trained very hard over the last few years to secure her place on the GB team. She has consistently lifted well over the last two years and has won several competitions to rise to a world ranking of third in the under 40kg group. Zoe is a another medal hope for London. Watch Zoe on the 30th August and Jason on the 1st September.

Zoe 40kg class – 30th August

Jason 60kg class – 1st September