The Paralympics

The neurologist, Sir Ludwig Guttman, set up a competition with other hospitals to coincide with the London Olympics in 1948.

Over the next decade Guttman's care plan was adopted by other spinal injury units in Britain and competition grew.

In 1960, the Olympics were held in Rome, and Guttmann brought 400 wheelchair athletes to the Olympic city to compete. The modern Parallel Olympics (or "Paralympics") were born.