She is now a national celebrity; a first rate ambassador for the town and a splendid role model.

Now Ashfield has a rival swimming sensation in 17-year-old Sam Hynd.

His world record-breaking, gold medal-winning performance in the Beijing Paralympics has been equally meritorious.

Sam, who has muscular dystrophy, is a shining example of how a disability need not be a bar to personal achievement at the very highest level.

And the same goes for the other local Paralympians, Charlotte Henshaw (swimming), Arnie Chan (table tennis) and Chris Martin (discus).

Their endeavours should make us all think again about the use of the word 'disabled'.

It's got nothing to do with courage or attracting sympathy.

The message these people have been sending out so strongly is about what they are able to do, not what they are disabled from doing.

It's about achieving the extraordinary without expecting, or accepting, any favours.

It's a privilege – and humbling - to be able to report on their truly inspiring achievements.