An emotional and admirable Invictus Games so far this year in Sydney!

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An emotional and admirable Invictus Games so far this year in Sydney! Posted On 24 October 2018

Many tears were shed by audiences everywhere yesterday when British swimmers Poppy Pawsey and Sarah Robinson won the hearts of everyone watching, and by doing so captured the true spirit of the Invictus Games

UK athletes Pawsey and Robinson both participated in the women’s 50m ISD freestyle yesterday, and, in a very special moment at the end of the race, demonstrated precisely what the Invictus Games are all about.

After Pawsey hit the finish line, she valiantly turned back around and, with Robinson still in the race, swam back to her comrade to encourage her through the final 25m, supporting and her until the very end.

Robinson began shedding tears upon finishing the race, and the pair embraced on the pool deck in celebration of one another’s courage and determination.

Pawsey was part of the Royal Marines before being discharged because of musculoskeletal illness, and after competing at last year’s Invictus Games in Canada, has become a mentor for first-timer Robinson.

“I gave her simple instructions, ‘You dive in, you swim and you get out’ — and she did that and it is fabulous,” Pawsey told the Invictus Games website.

“That’s what it is all about here. I am so, so proud of her.”

Robinson said: “Poppy has given me so much advice and been so helpful. Recently down at UK Training Headquarters she told me to not to worry and just swim my own race.

“I was so worried I would come last and be letting people down. I get so scared in the water. You don’t know how huge this is for me. It is iconic. To get to the end and not panic I deem myself proud. I am smiling and even though I am crying I am so happy.”

Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games at the beginning of 2014, an international sporting event for injured servicemen and women. He was inspired to bring the Invictus Games to London after visiting the US Warrior Games in 2013. With 18 nations participating in this year’s Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia, there are over 500 competitors taking part in 13 different sports.

“Invictus has become about the example of service and dedication our competitors have provided to the world,” Prince Harry said at this year’s opening ceremony. “Our Invictus family has turned these Games into a symbol of strength, honour and optimism for a new generation.”

The Invictus Games 2018 began on 20th October, and will last until 27th October.