8. Natalie du Toit - most adamant swimmer

Natalie du Toit of South Africa removes her artificial leg at the starting line for the women's marathon 10km swimming competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games yesterday. [Agencies]

Du Toit from South Africa, who lost her left leg in a motor accident and uses a prosthetic leg to walk, completed the guelling Olympic 10-kilometer open water swimming race. Having competed against able-bodied athletes, du Toit will now focus on the Beijing Paralympics.