LONDON 2012 PARALYMPICS

Aug. 29 — Sept. 9 | FIVE B. C. ATHLETES TO WATCH

Michelle Stillwell Athletics

Hometown: Nanoose Bay Age: 37 Classification: T52 The wheelchair racer will be looking to defend the gold medals she won at 100 metres and 200 metres in Beijing in 2008. She is the world record holder at those distances and at 400 metres.

Lauren Barwick Equestrian

Hometown: Aldergrove Age: 34 Classification: G11 A paraplegic as a result of a workplace accident, Barwick won gold and silver in 2008 in para- dressage at Beijing. She is on a new horse for London, an 11- year- old mare named Off to Paris.

Nathan Stein Swimming

Hometown: Maple Ridge Age: 20 Classification: S10 Stein was a revelation at the spring Paralympic trials, challenging multiple Paralympic medallist Benoit Huot in a couple of events and winning gold in the 50- metre freestyle in Canadian record time. He has a weakened leg as a result of Osteochondritis Dissecans.

Bo Hedges Wheelchair basketball

Hometown: Wonowon Age: 32 Classification: 2.5 A national championship all- star in 2011 and 2012, Hedges, a terrific shooter and strong rebounder, was a member of the silver- medal winning Canadian men’s team in Beijing.

Ian Chan Wheelchair rugby

Hometown: Richmond Age: 35 Classification: 3.0 Chan is a 14- year veteran of the national team and consistently one of the leading scorers on a Canadian squad that earned silver in Athens in 2004 and bronze at Beijing in 2008.