Aussie #Rio2016 Paralympians to follow

With Aussies still buzzing following #Rio2016, momentum is now building for the #Paralympics as our @AUSParalympics athletes prepare to compete on the world stage.

The #Rio2016 #Paralympics are set to kick off this week. For all the latest live updates and action direct from Rio, here is my guide to some cracking Paralympic personalities and performers you should be following on Twitter!

Cheer on the Aussie team

For all Rio Paralympic info follow the official Aussie team account @AUSParalympics, the guru of all Australian Paralympic sports news!

Chef de Mission

Kate McLoughlin (@KateMcLoughlin4) is our Chef de Mission. I’ve known Kate for many years and she is a tireless advocate for the Paralympic movement.

10 Aussie athletes to follow

Liesl Tesch AM (@LieslTesch) the 7x Paralympian and multiple wheelchair basketball medallist tasted gold for the first time in London 2012 in the Mixed Two Person Sailing SKUD18. She is back to take to the seas again and attempt to defend the title. A whirlwind of energy, love her to bits!

Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) won gold in Beijing 2008 with the men’s wheelchair basketball team and silver in London 2012. Now with a new lease on competitive life he is a dominant force in wheelchair tennis.

Ellie Cole (@EllievCole) had an amazing 2012 Olympics campaign taking home four gold and two bronze medals. Ellie is a bold leader of the swimming team and I can’t wait to see how she makes her mark in Rio.

Brad Ness (@BradNess15) is the head of the honey badgers. There are few people I would follow blindly, this guy is one of them. A leader of the Aussie Rollers and the Paralympic movement.

Curtis McGrath (@CurtMcGrath) is an amazing talent in the Paracanoe. He is headed into his first Paralympics after entering the Paralympic family following an injury whilst serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan. A legend of a bloke and a red hot favourite to hit the podium.

Carol Cooke AM (@CazCooke) is a defending gold medallist from London 2012 in Cycling. A Canadian import from the mid 90s and much loved by her adopted Australian Paralympic team.

Chad Perris (@chadperris) is another Paralympic rookie, but a silver and bronze medallist from the world championships in Doha. He is all personality and a great asset to the team. The man is affectionately known as “White Tiger”.

Evan O’Hanlon (@evanohanlon) is the man I can’t wait to watch on the Rio Athletics track with five gold medals on the track over the past two Games. He hasn’t hit the Paralympic track without leaving with a Gold around his neck. The man is a giant of our sport.

Rheed McCracken (@RheedMcCracken) is the closest thing I have to a little brother. He shares the same coach, Andrew Dawes and I’ve seen Rheed grow from a shy young kid, to the young man I’m proud to call a good mate. He’s also a pretty handy babysitter as he’s been one for my two year old Harry for the last 12 months. A silver medallist from London 2012, I look forward to seeing the young bloke go for gold.

Angie Ballard (@angie_ballard) has travelled the Paralympic journey with me since the early 90s. We debuted in Sydney 2000 and Angie has a bunch of silver and bronze medals to her name. Now she enters Rio as World Champion and World Record Holder in the 400m wheelchair.

If you are up for a more personal account of the games, follow @MicTurner100 as he will be live Tweeting each of my events, and @MossyandRobbo for amusing Paralympic coverage.

For video highlights from the 2016 Paralympic Games follow the official Australian broadcast partner @7Olympics

For a less official voice from the Games, why not check in with @Fearnleyschair. Be prepared for some attitude as it has a mind and Twitter account of its own!