Teams join forces for success in USA

UK Team powerlifters Lucinda Allaway and Vicky Parrett, cyclist Andrew Kelsey and swimmer Zoe Williams joined head strength and conditioning coach Ben Williams, Sir Ben Ainslie and the Land Rover BAR sailing team to focus on strength and power at the Portsmouth base.

Both teams shared techniques in the gym and discussed tactics, motivation and mental preparation to succeed at top-level sport.

Ainslie, Land Rover BAR team principal and skipper, said: ‘We were honoured to host members of the UK Team for Invictus Games Orlando 2016 in Portsmouth.

‘Like us, the UK Team are in the final stretch of preparation for competition in America and it was really enjoyable mixing our training session to get insight into how they train individually across their own disciplines.

‘As a professional athlete you give everything you can physically and mentally to succeed – meeting the Invictus Games UK Team members and hearing their personal stories of overcoming injury and trauma as a result of their services career you realise that they go above and beyond to deliver on the sporting stage.

‘Invictus Games is hugely inspiring and highlights the true power of sport in giving individuals strength and focus.

‘Everyone at Land Rover BAR wishes the team well in Orlando and we hope to both return to the UK on back of success in the US.’

More than 180 wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans trialled 10 sports for one of the 110 places available in the UK Team.

The rigorous selection process was based on the benefit the Invictus Games will give an individual as part of their recovery, combined with performance and commitment to training.

Invictus Games Orlando 2016 UK Team member for swimming, Zoe Williams, born and raised in Portsmouth, said, ‘It was great to try out a different training method and talk to the Land Rover BAR team members about how they are approaching the America’s Cup and how that compares to our own training for Invictus Games.

‘Invictus Games has given me an opportunity to train and develop as an athlete but also meet and learn from some really inspiring people.

‘Rehabilitation is very personal but I think all of the UK Team members preparing for the Invictus Games are benefitting from that sense of focus and purpose.

‘To have the support of world-class athletes like Sir Ben Ainslie and the Land Rover BAR team is fantastic and we are all even more motivated to succeed in Orlando.

‘We wish the Land Rover BAR team the best of luck in New York.’

The UK Team will compete in the Invictus Games in Orlando between May 8-12.

The Land Rover BAR outfit will travel to New York to continue their journey towards their goal of bringing the America’s Cup home on May 6-8.