Team GB's Olympic success in Beijing last month has been the perfect spur for the British side seeking glory at the Paralympics in the same Chinese city over the next couple of weeks.

The swimming squad of 35 - including four Scots - is confident of hauling in a huge batch of medals. Runners-up to China in Athens four years ago, the Brits are ready to take on the hosts. "Bring it on" is the battle cry.

Scotland's quartet reflects the wide spread nature of Paralympic sport. At one end of the spectrum is Jim Anderson, a 45-year-old with 13 medals from four Paralympics.

Among the wide-eyed newcomers is Sean Fraser, a 17-year-old from Loanhead in Midlothian who trains with Warrender. And in between are the two twenty-somethings - Mhairi Love and Andrew Lindsay.

For Jim, the aim is to stage a successful defence of four titles - the 50, 100 and 200m freestyle and the 50m backstroke. A multi world-record holder he brings a huge wealth of experience to the British line -up.

He made his Paralympic debut in Barcelona in 1992 and, as yet, has never even allowed the 'retirement' word to pass his lips. Still setting new standards for himself and his sport, he is having far too much fun to call it a day on the competitive front.

A member of Broxburn ASC and coached by Anthony Strickland, Jim was inspired in his young days by watching David Wilkie swim to Olympic success. And he's not just a talented sportsman - he's also had short stories published.

Sean is excited about making his Paralympic debut - and will be going for gold in the freestyle and backstroke. Coached by Laurel Bailey, he enjoys being a member of one of the biggest clubs in Scotland and gets huge support from the whole squad.

Mhairi is making her second Olympic appearance, and is determined to get her hands on gold after picking up two silver medals in Athens four years ago.

The 27-year-old hails from Lanark, and trains alongside Andrew under coach Strickland at Stirling.

Andrew, at his fourth Paralympics, is gunning to make it three in a row as the gold medallist in the 100m backstroke. A huge Celtic fan, the 28-year-old has been voted Scotland's Disability Swimmer of the Year.

The GB squad begin the swimming part of the Paralympics on Sunday 7th September  - and they prepared for the gala occasion at the holding camp in Macau.

"Everything in Macau has gone exceptionally well," reported Britain's National Performance Director, Tim Reddish. "All the training facilities and the hotel were first class and it was just the environment we needed to acclimatise for next week.

"Everyone was relaxed, but we were also very focused on preparation for the main event. We have just moved to Beijing and the whole squad is looking forward to a great Paralympics."

EB
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