Royal Navy participants inspired by Wounded Warrior event in Washington DC
Eleven Royal Navy sailors, recovering from illness and injury, have tested themselves alongside their US counterparts at trials in Washington DC for the Wounded Warrior Games.
The Brits were invited to America for one of the preparatory events before the biggest adaptive sports fixture in the calendar for US personnel, which is taking place in Colorado Springs this year.
The US Department of Defence runs the annual contest for hundreds of personnel who are competing to continue their recovery.
The athletes entered each of the individual disciplines and played alongside the US teams in every team event.
"We had significant success in various events, including achieving first, second, fourth and fifth place finishes in cycling, two first places and a third in individual archery and a team first – alongside various achievements in athletics and in the pool," said Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Smith.
"The Royal Navy team and US athletes quickly developed an obvious camaraderie, sharing a mutual admiration for the exceptional physical and mental resilience and dedication demonstrated by all throughout the trials.
"It was an honour to be part of such an inspirational event."
The US Navy organises several taster events ahead of the July games, which allow the athletes to sample, train and compete in 11 adaptive sports.
The sports covered in the two-week trial event included swimming, athletics, wheelchair rugby, cycling, power lifting, rowing, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, archery, pistol and rifle shooting.
The squad (Lieutenant Ian Toms, Chief Petty Officer Mike Beavis, Petty Officer Sam Faulkner, Leading Hands Chris Ryan and Richard Harrington, and Able Seaman Ronnie Evans, AB Rachel Davis, AB Alys Wightman, AB Harrison Dowson, AB George Rowe and AB Caitlyn Sewdan) and staff (WO1 Colin Smith, Chief Petty Officer Lee Murray and Corporal Kyle Woods) were based at Fort Belvoir in Washington DC.
The participants are on the Royal Navy recovery pathway, dealing with various personal challenges while regaining their fitness.
The British athletes heaped praise on their hosts and the experience.
AB Wightman revealed that the trials were "a life-changing experience that left me truly inspired".
"The event opened our eyes to a world of possibilities, proving that our injuries don't limit our potential," AB Wightman added.
"It was exhilarating to be part of a community that celebrates determination and grit.
"The trials showed me that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible – and I'm forever grateful for the experience."
PO Faulkner said he had his "fingers crossed" and hoped the group would be invited back for the games in the next few months.
"We got to try a lot of new sports and even surprised the American coaches and athletes with how quickly we picked them up," he said.
"I'm sure everyone had a positive experience and, fingers crossed, we get invited back for the games in July in Colorado."
More than 200 wounded, ill and injured athletes will compete at the event this summer over 10 days.
Join Our Newsletter
