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ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games - Xavi Torres (ESP), Photo: Bob Martin

Spanish swimmer Xavi Torres sets off at the start of the 200m freestyle heats at the Paralympic Games in Athens in September. Torres, all of whose limbs have been amputated, went on to come sixth in the 200m finals, but picked up a silver medal in the 150m individual medley and a bronze in the 4x50m relay medley. Swimming has been one of the main sports in the Paralympics since the first games were held in 1960. International swimming rules are followed with just a few exceptions, such as optional platform or in-water starts, but no prostheses or assistive devices are permitted.