Rio Paralympics: The stars of 2016

    By Sarah Holt, CNN

    Updated 1541 GMT (2341 HKT) September 6, 2016

    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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    Ryley Batt is only 27 but competing in his fourth Paralympic Games. The wheelchair rugby player, who even opponents say is the best, led Australia to gold at London 2012 and victory at the 2014 world championships.
    Photos: Rio Paralympics: 9 stars to watch
    Ryley Batt - Australia – Ryley Batt is only 27 but competing in his fourth Paralympic Games. The wheelchair rugby player, who even opponents say is the best, led Australia to gold at London 2012 and victory at the 2014 world championships.
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    Sarah Storey competed for Great Britain in four Paralympics as a swimmer before swapping the pool for a bike. Rio will be her third Paralympic Games on two wheels and a chance for her to add to the 22 medals she has amassed to date.
    Photos: Rio Paralympics: 9 stars to watch
    Sarah Storey - Great Britain – Sarah Storey competed for Great Britain in four Paralympics as a swimmer before swapping the pool for a bike. Rio will be her third Paralympic Games on two wheels and a chance for her to add to the 22 medals she has amassed to date.
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    The visually impaired Cuban sprinter Omara Durand is aiming for multiple golds at the Rio Paralympics to add to her haul. With a time of 11.48 seconds, she is the world record holder at 100 meters in the T12 class. Durand is defending Paralympic champion at 100m and 400m.