By Gary Anderson

July 16 - Richard ColmanThe 36-strong Australian Flame team has arrived in Lyon ahead of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships, which get underway on Friday (July 19).

The squad, comprising 24 men and 12 women, are among 98 countries set to compete at the sixth IPC World Athletics Championships, which were first staged in Berlin in 1994.

Four gold medallists from London 2012 are among the athletes hoping to improve on Australia's haul of 27 medals at the last IPC championships in Christchurch in 2011.

F42 long jump world record holder and Olympic champion Kelly Cartwright will look to add to her 2011 long jump and T42 100 metres world titles, while double Olympic sprint gold medallist Evan O'Hanlon will be seeking to add to his two sprint titles from the event in Christchurch.

O'Hanlon was awarded the 2012 Male Athlete with a Disability of the Year title from Athletics Australia, following his efforts in London, which saw him set new world records in both the T38 100M and 200m competitions.

Kelly Cartwright in action during the womens F42 long jump final at London 2012 where she secured goldKelly Cartwright in action during the womens F42 long jump final at London 2012 where she secured gold

Fellow London 2012 gold medallists Richard Colman and Todd Hodgetts will be among the favourites in the T53 800m and F20 shot put events respectively.

There are nine World Championship debutants in the Australian squad which also contains 2011 F46 javelin world champion Madeleine Hogan.

"Congratulations to the 36 athletes selected to compete at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France from 19-28 July 2013," said Rob Fildes, President of Athletics Australia.

"In an exceptional result, all athletes that achieved at least one AA 'B' Qualifier have been selected to compete.

Evan OHanlon was named 2012 Male Athlete with a Disability of the Year following his exploits at London 2012Evan O'Hanlon was named 2012 Australian Male Athlete with a Disability of the Year following his exploits at London 2012

"This decision to select all eligible athletes recognises the selection philosophy to select the largest possible team to represent Australia and I congratulate the Athletics Australia selectors on a job well done.

"To the Australian Paralympic Committee, I extend our most sincere thanks for your continuing support of Paralympic athletics.

"Your involvement in our building of a strong development programme is reflected through the diversity of this team with our combined sight set firmly on a successful campaign both at these Championships and the upcoming Paralympics."

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