The 2012 Paralympic Games began Wednesday, soothing our post-Olympics hangover with heartwarming stories of athletes completing remarkable, against-the-odds feats. Here are a few of them.
Zeinab Oteify of Egypt prays before attempting a lift in the women's -44kg powerlifting competition.
Image by Matthew Lloyd / Getty Images
Juan Jose Mendez of Spain competes in the Men's Individual Cycling C1 Pursuit qualification round.
Image by Bryn Lennon / Getty Images
Netherlands's Amy Siemons competes in a women's 100m T34 race.
Image by Emilio Morenatti / AP
Lahouari Bahlaz of Algeria competes in the Men's Club Throw - F31/32/51 competition.
Image by Michael Steele / Getty Images