Rio Paralympics: The stars of 2016

Updated 1541 GMT (2341 HKT) September 6, 2016

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Often referred to as the "Blade Jumper," Markus Rehm won Paralympic gold in the long jump at the London Games in 2012 and holds the world record of 8.40 meters in the F44 competition class which he set at the world championships in Doha in 2015.

Photos: Rio Paralympics: 9 stars to watch

Markus Rehm - Germany – Often referred to as the "Blade Jumper," Markus Rehm won Paralympic gold in the long jump at the London Games in 2012 and holds the world record of 8.40 meters in the F44 competition class which he set at the world championships in Doha in 2015.

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Alex Zanardi was a racing driver until he lost both legs in a horrific CART crash in 2001. He tried hand cycling in 2007 and later became a Paralympic athlete. He won two gold and silver at London 2012, and is a world champion in road race and time trial events.

Photos: Rio Paralympics: 9 stars to watch

Alessandro Zanardi - Italy – Alex Zanardi was a racing driver until he lost both legs in a horrific CART crash in 2001. He tried hand cycling in 2007 and later became a Paralympic athlete. He won two gold and silver at London 2012, and is a world champion in road race and time trial events.

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Melissa Stockwell was the first female American solider to lose a limb in active combat during the Iraq War. She is aiming to become the first Paralympic triathlon champion as the sport makes its debut in Rio.

Photos: Rio Paralympics: 9 stars to watch

Melissa Stockwell - USA – Melissa Stockwell was the first female American solider to lose a limb in active combat during the Iraq War. She is aiming to become the first Paralympic triathlon champion as the sport makes its debut in Rio.

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