Lee Pearson: Equestrian
Favourite for: Dressage, Team Dressage, Freestyle Dressage
Lee’s first foray into the limelight came in 1980 when Margaret Thatcher carried him up the stairs of No. 10 after presenting him with the ‘Children of Courage’ award. Nearly four decades later and Lee is one of Team GB’s most decorated Paralympians with 10 gold medals to his name.
He was also award the honour of being Team GB’s flag-bearer during the Opening Ceremony in Rio, and will be looking to use his tremendous Paralympic experience to secure a few more golds for his already glittering collection.
Ellie Simmonds: Swimming
Favourite for: 400m Freestyle S6
Swimmer Ellie Simmonds captured the nation’s hearts when she triumphed at the 2008 Beijing Games at the tender age of 13. Having continued her winning run through London 2012 – not to mention securing gold at last year’s World Championships in Glasgow – Rio is shaping up to be another huge chance for Ellie to add to her already impressive medal haul.
And at the age of just 21, who knows how far she can go?
Hannah Cockroft: Wheelchair Athletics
Favourite for: 100m T34, 200m T34
24-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Hannah Cockcroft was first given the opportunity to try out an elite racing wheelchair by Dr Ian Thompson, husband of former Team GB Paralympic legend Tanni Grey-Thompson.
Since that moment, Hannah has become a key part of Team GB’s medal hopes in Rio, having triumphed twice in London in 2012 – a worthy reward for someone who has won seven World Championship golds and two European Championship golds in a relatively short time.
Jordanne Whiley: Wheelchair Tennis
Favourite for: Women’s singles, Women’s doubles
This year has already been a great one for wheelchair tennis pro Jordanne Whiley, having triumphed on home soil with a Grand Slam win at Wimbledon (her third SW19 victory in three years). Now Jordanne has her eyes focussed on grabbing a gold at Rio, and one-upping the exploits of her father, Keith, who won a Paralympic Bronze medal at New York in 1984.
“If I could give up my nine Grand Slam titles for a gold medal, I would,” the 24-year-old recently told The Evening Standard. “I’ve won eight doubles Grand Slams and a calendar Grand Slam. I’ve won a singles Slam – I’ve done all the things I have wanted to do, but I haven’t got a gold medal.”
Yet, Jordanne. You haven’t got a gold medal, yet.
Dame Sarah Storey: Cylcing
Favourite for: Individual Road Time Trial C5, Individual Road Race C4 – 5
The unbelievable Dame Sarah Storey is hoping to become Britain most successful Paralympian ever – having already equalled the gold medals of Tanni Grey-Thompson and Dave Roberts.
Sarah has a vast catalogue of major sporting achievements that include 27 World Championship golds (5 in swimming, and 22 in cycling), 21 European Championship triumphs (18 in swimming and 3 in cycling) and is the current holder of no less than 72 world records.
If you want to learn more about all of Team GB's incredible medal hopefuls at this year's Paralympics, grab a subscription to Able magazine and get inspired!