Competitors are rising to the occasion at Invictus Games Toronto 2017, inspiring a global audience with their courageous efforts and new personal bests.
At the powerlifting, the United Kingdom’s Martin Tye won gold in the heavyweight division, a moment made all the more memorable by the presence of his family.
“What a special moment when my boys came over,” said Tye.
”Invictus is fantastic. Letting your friends and family come out. It’s just the nicest atmosphere,” he said.
On his way to winning gold, Tye pushed through to record a new personal best lift of 185 kilograms.
“I knew I could push it. With the crowd, it really got my adrenaline going. Between me and my coach, we picked that weight and it was amazing. I lifted it,” he said.
Read the full story on the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 website.
Triple amputee Mark Ormrod won two silver medals at the indoor rowing and was joined on the podium by his children, Evie and Mason.
“No matter your goal, everything about the Invictus Games is extraordinary,” said Ormond.
“To have two silver (medals) is brilliant and seeing the other competitors is humbling.
“I am incredibly proud of my performance and medal achievement, but for many of the athletes it is about personal bests, getting on that start line and being part of a team,” he said.
Read the full story on the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 website.
Cycling competitors faced searing hot conditions but the sun was no match for Canada’s Julie Nadeau who won silver in the women’s IRB category.
Julie did not even own a bicycle until six months ago and the Invictus Games road race was her first competition.
“The hill [on the course] was really tough going up,” said Nadeau.
“I didn’t have much energy left, but I opened up as hard as I could, so after that I knew I had done well.”
Julie’s Invictus Games journey was inspired by fellow soldiers.
“I had been a nurse in the military before an accident fractured my leg,” she said. “I brought back guys from Afghanistan, and some of the guys who were injured are now on my team,” she said.
Visit the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 website for more inspiring stories, the latest news, results and more.