DREAMED up by royal soldier Prince Harry, the Invictus Games was a chance for wounded service men and women from all over the world to compete in London’s Olympic Park. Luke Baker spoke to Boltonian Joshua Heyes, who took part in the 1,500 metres.

JUST 12 months ago, Joshua Heyes suffered life-changing injuries.

The 23-year-old from Kearsley was injured while serving with the Navy.

He was left deaf in one ear — but one year later, he was chosen to represent his country once more, this time on the athletics track.

He qualified from his 1,500 metres men’s open IT6 heat in third place after running an impressive five minutes and 18 seconds.

He then ran quicker in the final, in four minutes 57 seconds, finishing an agonising fourth as fellow Brit Luke Wigman took victory and the second and third places went to other nations.

The games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, are an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel, with more than 400 competitors taking part from more than 10 nations — and Joshua was left beaming by his outing.

He said: “The atmosphere was surprising actually. When we came here to do the trials, there was only about 50 people around.

“We were wondering who they’d sold all the tickets to, but we came down in the morning and it was overwhelming.

“This is the first thing I’ve ever done like this, in terms of competing. I’ve done long-distance running, but never actually took it up properly.

“I really surprised myself by how I did, I under-estimated myself, I think. I did a lot better in terms of timings than I ever thought I could do and I really enjoyed it.

“But I am a little disappointed with the result of our race. I really wanted to round off a British one-two-three.”

And with the spotlight on the games — and using the power of sport to inspire recovery and rehabilitation — Joshua, who is now based in Plymouth, believes it is only just the start.

He added: “I’m still with the Navy at the moment, although I’m going to get discharged next year.

“It’s amazing to still be serving, but I’ll be starting at City College Plymouth this time next week so it’s all about leaving now and the next step.”

l Jaguar Land Rover was proud to be the presenting partner of the Invictus Games, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service personnel. For more information visit jaguar.com or landrover.

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