Germany Bags Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Gold Medal

After falling short in Beijing four years ago, Germany won’t let the gold medal slip away from their hands this time as they successfully ruled the 2012 London Paralympic Games women’s wheelchair basketball competition.

Playing inside a jam-packed North Greenwich Arena, German took control from start to finish, hammering out a 58-44 win over Australia in the finals of the women’s wheelchair basketball competition.

Gaining momentum after a strong start in the first period, the Germans never let the Aussies get into their deadly form especially in the final period where they outscored Australia, 24-16, en route to the gold-medal clinching win.

“We have had many tournaments over the last seven years and we have won medals, not gold, but we have been doing this step by step,” Germany coach Holger Glinicki said. “We had a silver medal in Beijing and now we are at the end, we have reached our pinnacle.”

Mareike Adermann led Germany’s attack with her 15 points and five rebounds to go with five assists, while Anika Zeyen and Marina Mohnen added 12 and 11 points, respectivey, with the latter adding nine rebounds and three dimes.

On the other hand, Kylie Gauci, who finished with 15 points and five assists, was the lone bright spot for Australia, who improved from their bronze-medal finish in 2008 in Beijing.

“I am not crying. I am still proud of my girls,” Australia coach Johhn Triscari said. “It is disappointing that we did not get the gold medal, but I am so proud of the girls and they did a remarkable job.”

Earlier in the day, Netherland will bring home their first medal in the women’s wheelchair basketball since the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, after securing the bronze medal with a masterful 71-47 win over 2008 gold-medalist USA.