English

Video: Paralympic heroes receive warm welcome after return from London

Belarusian Paralympians were given a warm welcome at Minsk National Airport after their return from London on September 12.

Five-time Paralympic champion Ihar Bokiy told reporters at the airport that he considered competing against able-bodied swimmers.

The 18-year-old Belarusian, who suffers from an eye condition, won five gold medals and one silver in swimming at the London Paralympics that drew to a close on September 9.

"I do think about entering tournaments for able-bodied athletes. I have to train harder and fully focus on swimming to achieve that," he said.

Mr. Bokiy described the level of competition at the London Paralympics as fairly high but said that he wanted to achieve more.

"I did not expect to win as many medals," the athlete said. "The coach and I did not make any plans for medals, we simply worked to achieve a result."

Commenting on people comparing him to US swimming legend Michael Phelps, Mr. Bokiy said, "Of course, I am happy about such a comparison. Now I will work to surpass Phelps' achievements."

Belarus won a total of 10 medals at the London Paralympics. //BelaPAN