Invictus Games team arrive home – with 51 medals

Australia’s Invictus Games team arrived home yesterday thrilled with their personal results and the 51-medal haul from this year’s games.

CAPTION: Australian athletes enter the 2017 Invictus Games closing ceremony in Toronto, Canada. Photo by Corporal Mark Doran.

All of the hard work over the past months has paid off for Australia’s 43 wounded warriors whose grit and determination throughout the Invictus Games was inspirational.

Lance Corporal Samantha Gould was ecstatic with her discus results and having her parents there to cheer her on and to share the highlights with her was something she said would never forget.

“I had a fantastic time, it exceeded my expectations,” Lance Corporal Gould said.

“The Games have helped so much with my recovery.

“Doing a personal best in the discus was one of the highlights for me.

“It showed that all my hard work has paid off.

“I think because of the games I will have increased motivation to continue my training and maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.”

Petty Officer Ian McCracken raced better than he could have hoped for, achieving personal bests in every one of his events.

“My health is the best it has been in a long time, I feel great,” Petty Officer McCracken said.

“I am so grateful to have been given this experience and have been able to meet so many other amazing people who have also been wounded, injured or become ill during their service.”

Petty Officer McCracken said he would recommend the Invictus Games to anyone who wanted to use sport as a vehicle to support their rehabilitation.

Now that the sun has set on the 2017 games in Toronto, all eyes turn to Sydney for the 2018 iteration of the Invictus Games.

Expressions of interest are already being sought for athletes and coaching staff for the Australian 2018 Invictus Games team consideration.

More information can be found here. Nominations close on 31 October 2017.

 

View all of CONTACT’s Invictus Games 2017 coverage HERE:

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