Harry cheers on Paralympic stars

Sep 4 2012

Prince Harry has joined the crowds cheering on our Paralympic stars on day six of the games.

The royal visited the aquatics centre to cheer on Ellie Simmonds as she bids for a triple gold crown in the 50m freestyle.

The teenager admitted after reaching the final that she was battling fatigue following her exploits in the pool over the last few days, which has seen her bag two golds.

Harry spent 45 minutes happily posing for pictures with members of ParalympicsGB, before meeting war hero turned discus star Derek Derenalagi.

The 37-year-old was pronounced dead when he lost both his legs following a Taliban bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2007. But he marked an inspiring turnaround by performing in front of a packed stadium last week, narrowly missing out on a medal.

Harry also visited the Copper Box to cheer on the women's goalball - which is played in total silence - as they romped to a 5-0 victory over Denmark.

Dressed in a Great Britain tracksuit top, he took a particular interest in the ball, which he rested on his lap.

Following the game, he joined the crowd to give the British squad a standing ovation.

Britain's medal tally continued with a silver for Sophie Wells, 22, in the dressage at Greenwich Park and bronze for Great Britain's boccia team - a sport similar to boules or petanque.

ParalympicsGB is currently second in the medals table with 66 - including 19 golds - well on schedule for its 103 medal target.