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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 15 Sep 2008 Title: SA Paralympic Team scoops two more gold medals -------------------- Beijing - The South African Paralympic team clinched another two gold medals on Sunday, bringing the number of gold medals earned at the Paralympics to 17. Swimmer Natalie Du Toit and road cyclist Ernst van Dyk on Sunday grabbed two more gold medals for Team South Africa. Du Toit won the gold medal for the women's 50m freestyle S9, setting a new Paralympic record with a time of 29.20 secs. Russian swimmer Irina Grazhdanova and Great Britain's Louise Watkin finished second and third respectively. Of the five events she had entered, this was the one that worried her the most. "I was very nervous about this. I knew how quick the Russian girl was and that I needed to get a good start, which I think I did. "At least I got my finish right, which was important. That touch might have meant eh difference between winning and loosing. "For me its not about winning gold medals, its about going out there and setting personal best times and doing the best I can." Du Toit had earlier won the 400m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly and 200m individual medley. South African cyclist Van Dyk took gold in the Men's Individual Road Race HC C final of cycling road event winning the title with 1:21:40. United States Alejandro Albor and Oz Sanchez took the silver and bronze respectively. On Saturday South African sensation Oscar Pistorius earned his second gold medal after crossing the finish line in 21.67 seconds during the men's 200m sprint. The crowd of over 50 000 spectators at the Bird's Nest stadium cheered for the runner who has been dubbed "Blade Runner" for his J-shaped carbon-fibre prostheses. Pistorius was born without his fibula, the smaller of the two bones in the lower legs, and when he was 11 months old, both limbs were amputated below the knee. "I am extremely happy tonight. I have never run on such big a stage as today. People are so passionate and excited to support me," said Pistorius, who had earlier won the 100m final. The 21-year-old is eyeing one more win in the 400m. "It's just a different distance, but I will still be myself. I will carry on and go forward to the final," he said. Meanwhile, China pulled away in the race for most medals won, leading the count with 63 golds, 54 silvers and 42 bronzes. Britain was second with 14 golds, 23 silvers and 26 bronzes. The United States was third on 30-26-24. South Africa moved up one on the ladder to seventh position with 17 golds, two slivers, and five bronzes. - BuaNews-Xinhua |
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