Invictus Games: Day Five Wrap Up
The pool, a prince, powerlifting and some tennis made for a big day for the NZDF team at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 — and tomorrow looks to be even busier.
Huge success for co-captain Army Staff Sergeant Gareth Pratt in the pool today, making it into the finals of the 50m backstroke and breaststroke, and the 100m freestyle. Fresh out of the pool he ran into Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and seized the chance to give him a Kiwi pin.
Nicki Fairbairn also took to the pool today, achieving her goal of completing the 50m freestyle race — and conquering one of her biggest fears in the process.
“It’s a team thing. I don’t want to let the team down. I’ll drown first before I let the team down,” she said.
Corporal Megan Marshall also competed in the 50m freestyle before heading to the powerlifting, where she lifted a personal best of 53kg.
Nu Filo was our other powerlifter up today but unfortunately, his 150kg lift was ruled a no lift and he finished out of the medals in an impressive field; gold medalist Oleksandr Havrylenko lifted a massive 177kg.
Our women’s tennis doubles team of Vanessa Bawden-Pere and Jules Bramley had another good hit out but went down to The Netherlands, while Steve Fell and Daryl Burton had to withdraw from their match after a close first set due to illness.
Tomorrow it’s time for our wheelchair rugby team to take the court, with the much-anticipated first haka of the Games set to come before we meet Australia.
Powerlifters Corporal Tira Kaa, Ben Peckham and Damien Nepata will compete in the heavyweight competition, before all eyes are on the pool for SSGT Pratt’s finals swims.
View the Facebook gallery of all photos
Throughout the Games the team’s journey can be followed on:
Facebook: @NZInvictusTeam
Instagram: @NZInvictusTeam
Twitter: @nzdefenceforce
