Lieven Coudenys: My favourite photographs from London 2012

The experienced Belgian photographer retells some of his best moments from the London 2012 Paralympic Games in pictures. 07 Sep 2013
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Lieven Coudenys

Lieven Coudenys

ⒸLieven Coudenys
By Lieven Coudenys

As an official IPC photographer, I covered the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Salt Lake 2002, Athens 2004, Torino 2006, Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Paralympic Games.

One year on from the Paralympic Games, here are my six favourite photos from London.

Velodrome

The venues at the London 2012 Paralympic Games were wonderful. Here's an image of the Velodrome where there was an amazing atmosphere during competitions. In this photo Damian Lopez Alfonso of Cuba competes in the men's individual C4-5 1km time trial on Day 2 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The greatest race

This was one of the races everybody was waiting for. Alan Fonteles Cardoso Oliveira of Brazil waves the Brazilian flag during his lap of honour after winning gold in the men's 200m T44 race at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, beating Oscar Pistorius. A new star is born!

Home favourite

David Weir of Great Britain was the top favourite to win this race with the support of his home crowd. The pressure must have been enormous, but still he did it. Here he celebrates as he crosses the finish line winning the gold in the men's 5,000m T54 on Day 4 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Winner’s emotions

Pepo Puch of Austria with his gold medal after winning the individual dressage (freestyle test - grade lb) at Greenwich Park. This was quite an emotional moment for me seeing him receiving his medal. I didn't know this athlete, but I was overwhelmed by the emotions and happiness he showed on the podium.

Fantastic atmosphere

The crowds were amazing in London. These were my eighth Paralympic Games, but I had never seen so many people enjoying the atmosphere in the Olympic Park and during the competitions. They really made these Paralympic Games great!

Thumbs up

I really enjoyed Lord Sebastian Coe’s speech in the Closing Ceremony, and apparently so did the IPC President, Sir Philip Craven. "After these Paralympic Games we will never think of sport the same way. And we will never think of disability the same way," was one of my favourite lines.

You can follow Lieven Coudenys on Twitter @LievenCoudenys?

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