By Elizabeth Hudson BBC Sport in Athens

Photos: Day two in Athens Latest results from Athens

Tanni Grey Thompson was relieved to have got her Paralympic campaign under way after qualifying for Monday's final of the women's T53 wheelchair 800m.

Sunday's race was scheduled to be a final but was converted into a semi-final following the addition of an extra athlete after classification.

"I always find my first races stressful," she said after finishing second to American Cheri Blauwet.

"Now, I'm feeling confident I can pick up my speed in Monday's final."

The Welsh nine-time Paralympic gold medallist admitted she was feeling so nervous before the race that she made herself physically sick.

"I was sitting on the warm-up track and was panicking a bit but it is good to get the first race out of the way," said Grey Thompson.

Veteran athletes miss out

"Cheri has been pushing well all season but my 800m racing has been very inconsistent.

"I did well to qualify for the Olympics last month but then had a nightmare when I got there.

"I think I can medal in the final on Monday but I will need to race very well for gold," she added.