St Mary's Student Wins Four Gold Medals in Invictus Games

Joseph Townsend, a third year Strength and Conditioning student at St Mary’s University, Twickenham recently won six medals in the 2014 Invictus Games. The Invictus Games was originally started by Prince Harry who was inspired by a similar American concept named the Warrior Games. It involves sick and injured service men and women from 13 nations competing against one another in Para Olympic style Games. It provides an opportunity for the injured, many who suffer from post-traumatic stress as well as often crippling injuries to take part in sport which consequently aids their rehabilitation. Perhaps the most important factor of the Games is the positive message it promotes about life post injury. Joseph Townsend, A Former Royal Marine and current St Mary’s student was injured in 2008 when he stood on an anti-tank mine in Afghanistan and lost the use of both his legs. However, on Wednesday 11^th September he was branded a “medal machine” by Prince Harry after claiming four Gold medals of the track in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 1,500m. A further two medals were won by Joseph making it six overall. In the Men's Hand Bike Circuit Race (IHB2) he gained a silver medal and a bronze medal in the Men's Hand Bike Time Trial 3 (IHB2). Joseph also competed in the Men’s Lightweight Powerlifting where he narrowly missed another medal finishing forth. Richard Blagrove, Programme Director at St Mary's University, Twickenham said, "Joe is a remarkable individual and an inspiration to so many students and fellow athletes. This collection of medals he's won is a fantastic achievement and will hopefully be a big stepping stone towards his ultimate goal of competing in the Paralympic Games in 2016." You can find out more about the Games result and schedule on the official website. The Closing Ceremony is to take place on Sunday 14^th September.