Russia at the 2012 Summer Olympics and basketball teams won gold and bronze medals, respectively. For the first time in its history, Russia won Olympic gold medals in judo. Among the nation's medalists were Aliya Mustafina, who emerged as one of the most successful Russian gymnasts in history, with a total of four Olympic medals at a single games, and Maria Sharapova, who won silver in the women's tennis singles against United States' Serena Williams. Anastasia Davydova became the most successful synchronized swimmer in Olympic history, with a total of five gold medals, while her compatriots Natalia Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina managed to win gold medals
Nigeria at the 2000 Summer Paralympics a personal failing on their part. As such, there is often tremendous cultural pressure for people with physical disabilities to remain hidden and out of the public eye. In many places, they are perceived to be monsters in need of healing. This is the context to which Nigerian Paralympians engage both society and sport internally, in their own country. Nigeria won seven gold medals at the Sydney Games. This was the most in the country's history after making their debut at the 1992 Summer Paralympics. The Nigerian Paralympic delegation left the Games having won more medals than their Olympic counterparts.