LONDON 2012: Grey-Thompson warns about the home disadvantage

By Ben Baker, Sportsbeat

BRITAIN'S most successful Paralympian of all-time has warned athletes to beware the dangers of home disadvantage at London 2012.

HOPEFULS: 160 aspiring members of the British Paralympic team celebrates this weekend's two year to mark to the London 2012 Games at a preparation camp in Bath (Getty Images)

Speaking ahead of this weekend's two year to go anniversary to the Paralympic Games, 11-time gold medallist Tanni Grey-Thompson said she expected Great Britain to finish 'at least third' in the medal table - even though they were second in Beijing with an incredible 102 medals, including 42 golds.

"There is a lot of expectation on our athletes and there is a lot of pressure on them to deliver," she said.

"There are plenty of statistics that show that nations perform better on home soil. 

"However, it's a double-edged sword because home advantage brings added pressure.

"Our athletes will get more support and encouragement but they've shown in Beijing they are capable of winning medals, we finished second in the table behind China - another successful host nation.

"To make it successful games I expect them to finish at least third in the medal table, that would be an achievement."

British Paralympic Association chief executive Phil Lane joined Grey-Thompson and London's 2012 Director of Paralympic Integration, Chris Holmes, himself a multiple Paralympic medallist, at a ParalympicsGB training camp in Bath.

Lane knows the pressure is on but believes the building blocks for success are all in place, despite initial fears that a funding cut would mean he would be unable to field a full team.

"Seeing over 160 athletes gathered together at our first major preparation camp brings it home that the Games are only two years away," he said.

"We’re planning very hard to make this our strongest team, capable of making the nation proud in 2012."

This weekend is two years to go to the Paralympics – plan your games at www.london2012.com