17/08/2011 GMT

Some of the most ambitious, dedicated athletes in the world will star in the London 2012 Olympics - and many more will figure in the Paralympic games which will follow.

Thousands of disabled competitors will be straining every sinew not just to win gold, but also to convince the world their sporting prowess matches that of Usain Bolt and the rest.

Stephen Sackur speaks to Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, winner of 11 Paralympic gold medals and now an influential voice in UK sport.