Australia topped the medal table emphatically in Sydney in 2000 but have since dropped off by finishing fifth at the last two Paralympics in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008.

In contrast, Britain has been hugely consistent over the last decade, finishing second at the last three Games, behind Australia in Sydney and China in both Athens and Beijing.

Britain are once again targeting a top two finish at London 2012 and Hellwig admitted it is unlikely Australia will be able match that ambition at this stage.

"I think Australia being in the top two at the London 2012 Paralympics might be a bit ambitious," Hellwig told insideworldparasport here at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships.

"We would like to be in the top five, which we would consider a great performance if you consider the amount of emerging nations really coming to the fore in Paralympics sport.

"Whether we finish third, fourth, fifth - I can't sit here and predict at this stage but I think we will certainly punch in that company in London.

"But looking at GB, I know they are going to have a great Games, as they should.

"The success of a Games really hinges on the success of the home team and GB has made such a massive commitment to success in London that everything is primed for them to deliver.

"At the same time, Aussies love that rivalry with GB and a London Games is really significant for Australia because of that.

"I wouldn't say it is specifically about trying to beat Britain at a London Games but I think you can be certain Australia wants to do particularly well at a London Games.

"There is a big draw towards that and I think it is going to be a stunningly successful Games - maybe the best ever."

Hellwig added that despite their slump following the Sydney 2000 Paralympics, when the stars included Louise Sauvage (pictured), Australia will soon return to their former glory.

"We are conscious of the decline but I think that decline is consistent with what happens to most countries after they host the Games.

"That is something you have to be very aware of.

"We also have to remember that despite Sydney being a wonderful Games, the standard of Paralympic sport and the number of countries competing in it at a high level as risen dramatically.

"That much is illustrated by the extremely high standard here at the IPC World Athletics Championships.

"We do have some work to do as we are not at the level at the moment that I think we are capable of.

"But we have got some terrific coaches and terrific young athletes coming into the system that I am certain will change that.

"Australia, across elite sport, hasn't been winning as much as we have been used to in recent times but you have up cycles and down cycles and it is about working hard to maximise those up cycles.

"There is one think you can be sure of though - we'll be back."

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