Invictus Games: Day Seven Wrap Up
Our Invictus Games team is finishing the Sydney 2018 Games on a high, with a gold, a bronze and a finalist in track and field, and our wheelchair basketball team through to the semi-finals.
The gold came for Craig Wilson in the 1500m, in a race he led from the start.
“I thought I was like Peter Snell out there before. I might not have been running quite as quick but I felt like him,” he said.
“I didn’t think this was a race that I would have any chance in but as it turned out it was my day.”
It was also Nu Filo’s day; he last threw a shot put about 20 years ago but today he came away with a bronze in the event.
Mr Filo, like Mr Wilson, paid tribute to his family’s support.
“They’ve been part of the journey. They have picked me up when I’m down and it’s a celebration for all of us.”
Mr Wilson said winning today was even more special as his wife Lynda and sons Jonny, nine, Victor, 11 and Edmund, 12, were watching.
“I just wanted to show my kids what doing your best can achieve. I’m just rapt that it’s got some results because you never know when your success is going to come and you’ve just got to keep trying,” he said.
Earlier in the day our wheelchair basketball team earned a semi-finals spot when they beat Canada, and the day rounded out with Sergeant Kelly Whittle coming fourth in the final of the women’s discus.
Tomorrow the wheelchair basketball team meets The Netherlands in the semi-final, with play-offs and finals to follow.
View the Facebook gallery of all photos
Throughout the Games the team’s journey can be followed on:
Facebook: @NZInvictusTeam
Instagram: @NZInvictusTeam
Twitter: @nzdefenceforce
