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Navy Woman Wins Double Silver At Invictus Games

10 May 2016

Navy Woman Wins Double Silver At Invictus Games

Royal New Zealand Navy Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Amy Baynes has won silver medals in both the women's cycling time trials and the women's criterium cycling this morning at the 2016 Invictus Games, held in Orlando, Florida.

CPO Baynes, a second-time New Zealand Defence Force Invictus (NZDF) competitor, who is competing in several sports at the games, beat the bronze medal place she earned at the 2014 games.

"This feels absolutely fantastic, it's mind-blowing. This morning, before the race, I was considering pulling out. I didn't think I had it in me, but I thought about my kids all the way round the course. I did it for them," said CPO Baynes.

CPO Baynes is originally from Gore but is now based at Burnham Military Camp in Christchurch. She deployed toBougainville, Banda Aceh, and the Arabian Gulf before being injured in a fall while on patrol in Afghanistan.

"The fall injured my hip and back which left me requiring a hip replacement. I also have ongoing back issues, with the likelihood of surgery to address four tears to my vertebrae," said CPO Baynes.

The Invictus Games provides an international stage that unites wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women from around the world. The Games enable both active duty personnel and veterans to learn and share through their common experiences.

The games also promote the support that families of service personnel provide. CPO Baynes's husband and sister were with her to celebrate her victory.

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"It's absolutely amazing to see her succeed at her second Invictus Games. It's been a long road for her. She has worked hard and she deserves it. I'm super proud, I couldn't have a bigger smile on my face," said husband Ross Baynes.

CPO Baynes says she couldn't have got here without the support of her sponsors.

"Gore RSA sponsored my bike and have been behind me all the way. I'm so grateful to them, and to all of our sponsors for helping me get to the games," said CPO Baynes.

The NZDF team is sponsored by the Auckland RSA and Christchurch Memorial RSA, BLK Sport, Fulton Hogan, OffLimits Trust and the Fallen Heroes Trust.

The games run until 12 May at the ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex, in Orlando, Florida.

The team's journey can be followed on Facebook.com/InvictusGamesNZ

His Royal Highness Prince Harry applauds CPO Amy Baynes at the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida.

ENDS

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