Prince Harry presents prestigious Soldier of the Year award to Invictus Games friend
Prince Harry has presented a prestigious US military award to a friend he met through the Invictus Games.
In a recorded message for the Military Times Service Members of the Year Awards, the Duke of Sussex praised the "beacon of inspiration" Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks.
SFC Marks, a former combat medic and five-time Paralympic medalist, was named Soldier of the Year.
Prince Harry first met her at the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando and said during his speech that he was "honoured" to call her his friend.
SFC Marks suffered bilateral hip injuries while serving in Iraq in 2010 and her left leg was amputated below the knee.
Prince Harry was wearing his military medals in his speech and described how he connected with SFC Marks because of the Invictus Games.
He said: "I first met Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks at the Invictus Games in Orlando 2016, where I presented her with not one, but four gold medals that she'd won in swimming.
"To me, she epitomises the courage, resilience and determination represented across our service community. And this is not just because of her swimming abilities."
Following her success at the 2016 Games, she would become one of Invictus's biggest success stories.
She went on to be recognised for her skills in the pool at two Paralympic Games, where she won five medals, becoming one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the US Army World Class Athlete Program.
Prince Harry highlighted her courage to "overcome every obstacle to cross her path".
He added: "Despite the injuries she endured during her deployment as a medical assistant in Iraq – along with numerous surgeries and setbacks that would have deterred many – she has persevered tirelessly, becoming the first woman in the Army's World Class Athlete Program as well as the first swimmer the program had ever seen."
Prince Harry also thanked all the service members in the room, past and present.
He said: "Know that your community and, indeed, the international community is grateful.
"Grateful for all the sacrifices you and all your families have made. Grateful for your service to your country. Grateful for continuing the important values you have learnt. Tonight is for you, thank you for all that you have done."
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event launched in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex after taking inspiration from the 2013 Warrior Games.
In 2025, Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will take place from 8-16 February and will see participation from more than 500 competitors representing 23 nations.
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