The 2012 London Paralympics drew to a close early Monday morning (Korean time), ending two thrilling weeks of action that once again proved to the world how people with physical disabilities are just as capable of displaying sportsmanship at the highest level. All athletes aspire to overcome physical limitations and break through barriers, but this is perhaps a little more pronounced for Paralympians.

Min Byeong-eon celebrates after receiving the gold in the men's 50-m backstroke at the London Paralympics on Sunday. /Yonhap

Korea finished 12th overall with nine gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals, while China topped the table for the third straight time with a haul of 95-71-65. The 15th Paralympics will be hosted by Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016.

On Sunday, the final day of competition, Korea added two gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Choi Ye-jin beat Jeong Ho-won in the boccia mixed individual BC3 final to give Korea both gold and silver in this event; Jeong So-yeong clinched bronze in the boccia mixed individual (BC2); and Min Byeong-eon swam to victory in the men's 50-m backstroke (S3) with a time of 42.51 seconds.

Korea fell short of its goal of winning 10 gold medals, and won the least number of medals since the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games, when it captured a total of 94 including 40 gold.