Portsmouth navy commander scores two golds at Invictus Games

AFTER her leg was severely damaged in a freak horse-riding accident, Lieutenant Commander Emma McCormick was left feeling fearful about her future.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Oct 2018, 16:02 BST
Updated 26th Oct 2018, 17:10 BST
Pictured are (L-R) shotput medal winners Stephanie Johnson (silver) from America and Emma McCormick from team UK (gold).Pictured are (L-R) shotput medal winners Stephanie Johnson (silver) from America and Emma McCormick from team UK (gold).
Pictured are (L-R) shotput medal winners Stephanie Johnson (silver) from America and Emma McCormick from team UK (gold).

But today the-37-year-old based in Portsmouth took home two golds at the Invictus Games in Sydney in shotput and discus events.

She said: '˜Gone is the woman that refused to take part in team sports for fear of someone touching her leg.

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'˜Gone is the woman that couldn't look at or touch her own leg.

Pictured is Team UK shotputter Emma McCormick throwing her gold medal winning shot. The Invictus Games are being held in Sydney.Pictured is Team UK shotputter Emma McCormick throwing her gold medal winning shot. The Invictus Games are being held in Sydney.
Pictured is Team UK shotputter Emma McCormick throwing her gold medal winning shot. The Invictus Games are being held in Sydney.

'˜I only managed to free myself of these shackles when I started to undertake sport.'

Sydney Olympic Park has played host all week to the games which is a multi-sport event created by Prince Harry for injured and sick Veterans and Service Personnel competed as part of their ongoing recovery journeys, supported by Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion.

Emma's mum and husband Chief Petty Officer Keith '˜Mac' McCormick are out in Australia supporting her and are celebrating her two wins.

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She said: '˜I've won my second medal! I'm so happy but so unbelievably tired.'

Emma was trained by City of Portsmouth Athletic Club in the run-up to the event.

She said: '˜This has all been done with the support of my amazing throwing coach, Bron Carter, from the City of Portsmouth athletic club.

'˜What she has achieved is incredible; taking a novice to someone that could perform on an international stage in just 14 weeks.

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'˜The Royal Navy have actively supported my Invictus journey and my department, the Royal Navy Media Communications and Engagement team, have been my strongest cheerleaders.

'˜I even got a kiss from David Beckham.'

John Shepard from Gosport also took part in the Invictus Games.

The 38-year-old was medically discharged from the army with PTSD and was determined to inspire others.

He came fourth in the team sailing heats and also ran the Men's 100m, the four minute endurance run and the one minute sprint.

 

 

Related topics:PortsmouthVeterans