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NZDF Team Win Gold And Bronze at Invictus Games
NZDF Team Win Gold And Bronze at Invictus Games
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) team is finishing the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 on a strong note, winning gold and bronze in the second to last day of competition.
Craig Wilson was first up with a gold in the Men’s 1500m. That was quickly followed by bronze for Nu Filo in the Men’s Shot Put.
Both men paid tribute to the support they’ve received from their families
Mr Filo said he was blessed to have family there.
“They’ve been part of the journey. They have picked me up when I’m down and it’s a celebration for all of us.”
Mr Wilson said winning today was even more special as his wife Lynda and three sons were watching.
“I just wanted to show my kids what doing your best can achieve. I’m just rapt that it’s got some results because you never know when your success is going to come and you’ve just got to keep trying,” he said.
Mr Wilson, who was in the Army for more than 20 years and was shot in the shoulder in Afghanistan, said it meant the world to him to pull on the black singlet and represent New Zealand.
“I thought I was like Peter Snell out there before. I might not have been running quite as quick but I felt like him,” he said.
“I didn’t think this was a race that I would have any chance in but as it turned out it was my day.”
The Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, are the only international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured and ill current and former service men and women. This year’s event, from 20-27 October, involves 500 competitors from 18 allied nations in 11 different adaptive sports. The NZDF has a team of 24 at the Games.
Tonight team co-captain Sergeant Kelly Whittle will compete in the final of the women’s discus, and the wheelchair basketball team are in the sem-finals tomorrow morning.
The NZDF team is sponsored by Auckland RSA, Christchurch Memorial RSA, Fulton Hogan, Jaguar Land Rover and Direct Sport.
Throughout the Games the team’s journey can be followed on:
ENDS
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