Tri-Service Rehabilitation Triathlon proves injuries are no barrier to sporting success

More than 150 servicemen and women have competed at the Tri-Service Rehabilitation Triathlon in Plymouth.

The annual event is part of Armed Forces Week and is now in its 11th year.

Inspired by the Invictus Games, it is open to all Armed Forces personnel recovering from illness and injuries suffered while they were serving, as well as medically discharged veterans.

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The adapted triathlon event features a swim in Plymouth’s Tinside Lido, a cycle race in the streets surrounding Plymouth Hoe and a static rowing event.

Organisers say it was a conscious decision to hold the event in public, rather than at a military base, to promote awareness.

"Here you'll see people in recumbent chairs, people with missing limbs, or perhaps with prosthetics - and you'll see that from start to finish our people are supported," said Royal Marines Captain Paul Mayfield of the Royal Navy Recovery Headquarters.

"There’s a great sense of belonging and care."

The race was staged over two distances in six categories to adapt to the individual physical or mental injuries of individual competitors.

UK athletes were joined by a 15-strong team from the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps to add to the rivalry and atmosphere on the day.

Organisers say the event aims to encourage strength, endurance and teamwork and promote  personal recovery of injured service personnel.

"It’s to show what you can do, not what you can’t do," said Captain Mayfield.

"I hope people take away from today that I can still push myself, I can still be competitive, be among my peers.

"There are some people who may have felt low when they got up this morning but will have a big smile on their face this evening."

Armed Forces Minister Luke Polland, who is also the MP for Plymouth, sent his message of support for the participants, calling the event a "truly inspiring day in our city's calendar".

There were many different categories on the day, but among the winners were Darian Lambregts from the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps for the men's full event, with Royal Marine Harry Grant-Jones the runner up.

The women's full category was won by Annemarieke Stam of Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, with Su Jeffreys from the Royal Navy in second place.

You can see some of the action from the day here.