The British team returned home last week having secured second place in the final medal tables at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. A total of 94 medals were won, including 35 gold.
There was particular success in the pool where the British team won 16 gold medals, one more than in Sydney. Notable performances included those of Jim Anderson and David Roberts who both bagged four gold medals.
"I’m delighted to have beaten the gold tally from Sydney," said Tim Reddish, British Swimming’s Disability Performance Director. "It was our target and in the last race with British involvement, we did it. It was tougher than expected but we put in a very good team performance."
As well as the 16 golds won during the course of the Games, British swimmers also claimed 20 silvers and 16 bronze. Their total of 52 was more than any other country, and 11 clear of nearest rivals China.
Elsewhere, in the equestrian events Lee Pearson and Deborah Criddle won three golds each, while there were two on the track for Tanni Grey-Thompson. Other highlights included gold for the women’s archery team, two golds and a silver for cyclist Darren Kenny, and gold for shooter Isabel Newstead at her seventh Games.
Phil Lane, Chef de Mission of the British team, said: "It’s been a tremendous performance by the British team. We set ourselves a target of 35 golds and we achieved that on the penultimate day. We did well across the board, medalling in 11 sports, which is outstanding. A lot of our first-time Paralympians who have been successful, so we are optimistic for the future as well."
Overall Britain claimed 35 gold medals, 30 silvers and 29 bronze. China topped the table with 63 golds, 46 silvers and 32 bronze.