Day 9 Review: Cowdrey wins fifth gold as China set to top medals count

By the end of Day 9, China has won 80 gold medals, nearly twice the haul of nearest rival Britain (41). With only 45 golds at stake over the last two day's competitions, the host nation looks set to top the medals count when the Games close on Wednesday.

Australian swimmers pose for group photos during the awarding ceremony for the men's 4X100m medley - 34 pts of Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, Sept. 15, 2008. The Australian team set a new world record and won the gold medal with a time of 4 mins 11.90 secs. (Xinhua Photo)

In the last day of swimming events, the Australian men's 4x100m medley relay team emerged triumphant at the Water Cube, giving Cowdrey his fifth gold of the Games.

Cowdrey, who also won 100m freestyle, 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke and 50m freestyle, joined South African amputee swimmer Natalie du Toit as the most crowned Paralympian in Beijing.

"On a personal note, to come away with five gold (medals) is simply amazing," said the 20-year-old Australian.

"These events seem to be short when you get to them, but the four years in between are very long," he added.

China's Du Jianping gestures during the awarding ceremony of men's 100m freestyle S3 of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, Sept. 7, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

China's Du Jianping just missed out on that elite club after taking his third and fourth gold on Monday. The 25-year-old smashed the world record to win the men's 50m backstroke S3 before helping the Chinese team to the first-place finish in 4x50m medley.

Nevertheless, Du, who also has a silver and bronze to his name, is still the most decorated Chinese athlete.

"I am very happy with my performance in this Paralympics and I am relaxed now," he said.

Chinese athletes reached the top of the podium in six track and field events on Monday as their gold-medal tally hit 34.

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