Four Invictus Games golds for Felpham swimmer
The Felpham swimmer was in the pool yesterday, defending the gold medals he won at the inaugural games in 2014.
He expected the competition to be tough this year and knew the American team would make it a close fight.
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Hide AdHe triumphed in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 50m backstroke, and was part of the gold medal 4x50 freestyle relay team.
In the 50m breastroke, where he won gold at the last games, he dropped to third for bronze.
Speaking on the BBC’s Invictus Games coverage last night, Mike said: “The idea of the Invictus Games is to get people motivated, whether it be us or other people, or other injured soldiers who haven’t come through yet. To be frank, if that message is going across it doesn’t matter if I podium or not, to be honest.
“When I am in the water I feel free. I am free with my thoughts as well, which helps my PTSD. I’m alone, the water rushing over my ears, it’ s a unique sound and for me that’s just heaven.”
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Hide AdHis said his ultimate goal was to represent his country, like he used to in the military, either in the Commonwealth Games or Paralympics.
He now swims full-time, training six days a week, in the gym, in the pool and running.
Christie Rourke, who runs Bodywaves Sports Injury Clinic at Splashpoint Leisure Centre in Worthing, helped prepare Mike for this year’s games.
She said: “We have been treating Mike with sports massage and sports therapy to get him ready and improving his performance in his training and preparation for these events.
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Hide Ad“We couldn’t be more proud of his achievements and are so honoured to work with someone so dedicated and committed to achieving something outstanding – not only for himself but to inspire others for whom the Invictus Games, Paralympics and sports in general can also help.”
Mike, who used to live in Littlehampton, said the inaugural games had been ‘absolutely amazing’, much bigger than he thought they would be.
In 2014, Mike won gold in 50m back and breaststroke, 100m freestyle and the relay race. He also took home silver in the 50m freestyle.
Since then, he has decided to take a break from full-time work to concentrate on his swimming.
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Hide AdThe former RAF Regiment Gunner was injured in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2008 and left with a compound fracture of his left ankle.
Following two years of painful surgery and rehabilitation, he took the decision to have his foot amputated.
He hopes to compete for Great Britain at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.
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