By Andrew Warshaw at German House at Docklands in London

Kirsten Bruhn_in_action_at_London_2012_Sept_7September 8 - Kirsten Bruhn, Germany's most successful Paralympian swimmer, says the London 2012 Games should inspire a whole generation of physically impaired people to take up sport.


Bruhn (pictured above), who at the age of 41 added the 100 metre SB5 breaststroke title to the golds she won in 2004 and 2008 (pictured below), says she has been overwhelmed at the hospitality and atmosphere in the Olympic Park and Village.

"It's been like a paradise," Bruhn told insideworldparasport.

"The noise has been so intense, you feel like you can fly."

Bruhn learned to swim when she was three years old and not even her injuries from a tragic motorcycle accident in 1991 could destroy her love of water despite the perpetual presence of her wheelchair at the pool edge.

"I've never experienced anything like this in my life," said Bruhn who was attending a press conference organised by the German National Tourist Board.

"I really hope this gives Paralympic sport a big boost in the direction of inclusion and integration which is of course our goal for the future.

Kirsten Bruhn_at_Beijing_2008_Sept_7
"It's the first time the logos of the Olympics and Paralympics have been together on posters and videos and that's a big step in the Olympic story.

"Every Games have their own magic.

"I don't want to say these are the best but they are so special because they try to push the athletes to their limits, no matter what nation they come from.

"This has given the extra power and energy."

While competing at London 2012, Bruhn has been followed by a German film crew preparing a documentary about Paralympic sport called Gold, which showcases the courage and determination, tragedy and triumph, belief and achievement of Paralympians.

The feature film, which chronicles the stories of three Paralympians – the others are Kurt Fearnley of Australia and Henry Wanyoike of Kenya – is due for release in February next year.

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