Ganfield, who runs tethered to guide and athletics coach Mikail Huggins, teamed up with Naomi Adie, Alexandra McClellan and Debbie O’Connell to finish runners-up to the United States in the women’s 4x100m relay.

“It felt immense because this was an event they hadn’t tried before and representing visually-impaired people was phenomenal,” Ganfield told the BBC. “It just shows the world and other visually-impaired people that you can conquer anything.”

The silver medal was just reward for Ganfield, who was the only visually-impaired athlete competing at the Invictus Games and had to race in the IT7 category for athletes with the lowest physical impairment.

She ran brilliantly to finish seventh in both the 100m and 200m, in times of 16.63 and 34.85 respectively, and also placed seventh in her first-ever long jump competition.

Ganfield, who is coached by Team Bath strength and conditioning coach George Studd, also represented Team UK in the indoor rowing competition, missing out on a medal by just four and two points respectively in the four-minute endurance and one-minute sprint.

Among the highlights of the Invictus Games for the Army veteran and keen football fan was meeting Sydney 2018 Ambassador David Beckham. He wore the special pair of glasses that illustrate how restricted Ganfield’s vision is after suffering two strokes due to a rare blood condition, Antiphospholipid syndrome, and also cheered her on in the 100m final.

There were 72 medals won in total by Team UK, whose trials once again were staged at the University of Bath Sports Training Village earlier this year and attended by HRH Prince Harry and then fiancée Meghan Markle.

Courtesy of Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd.

The 2018 Games – featuring wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans from a record 18 participating nations – are taking place in Sydney from October 20-27 and will be televised on BBC1.

It will be the second time that Army veteran Ganfield has represented Great Britain at the Games and she is hoping to bring back a medal or two after narrowly missing out on a podium place in Toronto, Canada in 2017.

“Training has gone really well and I feel stronger and better than last year,” said Ganfield, who is visually impaired after suffering two strokes due to a rare blood condition called antiphosphilipid syndrome.

“Within a week of getting back from Canada I was back in training because I wanted to do better this time round. I’d like to bring back at least one medal this year if I can but the main goal is to perform to my best.

“I am the only visually impaired athlete competing in the 100m, 200m and long jump, so that is going to be a challenge but I am excited to see what I can do.”

Ganfield will also compete in the indoor rowing event in which she narrowly missed out on a medal last year.

“I feel like I was robbed of the gold last year because I wasn’t allowed to have a guide in the rowing, telling me how much further I had to go,” she said. “That put me at a massive disadvantage but I have been reassured that will be resolved this time round.”

Ganfield secured her place in the 72-strong GB squad for Sydney during April’s Team Trials, which once again took place at the University of Bath Sports Training Village and were attended by HRH Prince Harry and then fiancée Meghan Markle shortly before their marriage.

The Sports Training Village is home from home for Ganfield, who does her rowing training with Team Bath strength and conditioning coach George Studd in the Team Bath Gym. She also has a weekly athletics session on the outdoor track with Mikail Huggins, who is her guide while sprinting.

BBC1 recently filmed with Ganfield and Huggins at the Sports Training Village and it will be broadcast as part of the week-long Invictus Games coverage from Sydney.

Lead photo shows Kelly Ganfield training at the University of Bath with George Studd (rowing)

Courtesy of the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight

It is the third successive year that the trials will take place in the University’s world-class sporting facilities and Prince Harry – who also attended in 2016 and 2017 – will be accompanied by Ms Markle to support Invictus Games hopefuls as they compete on the indoor and outdoor athletics tracks, as well as in the indoor sitting volleyball trials.

The Invictus Games is the only international sports event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. Sydney will be the fourth city to host the Games after London in 2014, Orlando in 2016 and Toronto in 2017, with this year’s edition taking place from October 20-27.

The UK team trials – run by Help For Heroes with support from the Ministry of Defence, The Royal British Legion and the Endeavour Fund – will take place at the University of Bath from April 5-9. More than 400 athletes will be competing for one of the 72 UK team places on offer, with 45 per cent of the hopefuls never having applied for an Invictus Games before.

Stephen Baddeley, Director of Sport at the University of Bath, said: “It is always a great honour to host the Invictus Games UK trials. It is a truly inspirational event and a demonstration of the Sports Training Village’s capabilities to host multi-sport and disability-sport competition.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming the athletes from across the country and, of course, HRH Prince Harry and Ms Markle for what I am sure will be another outstanding day – and weekend – of sport.”

Report courtesy of the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight 

The 36-year-old, who is visually impaired and suffers from epilepsy, has been selected in a 90-strong British team and will compete in both athletics and rowing – the latter a sport she only took up this year when she started training with Team Bath Strength & Conditioning Coach Corinne Yorston.

“Invictus is my way of being part of something again and representing my country again,” said Ganfield, who earned her call-up after impressing in the GB Trials staged at the University’s Sports Training Village in April.

“This kind of opportunity doesn’t come along easily and, to be honest, I’ve been blown away by the whole experience so far.

“I’m a runner and footballer really but I gave rowing a go at the trials and they said I was pretty good at it. I’ve also been selected for discus – I’m not sure how that has come about but I’ll give it my best shot because this is for my country.”

It was the desire to represent her country that motivated Ganfield to join the Army in 1998. She served in Northern Ireland for nearly four years and was ready for deployment to Iraq when she developed Antiphospholipid syndrome, a rare blood condition that caused two strokes and left her with epilepsy, a heart condition and visual impairment.

After being medically discharged in 2005, Ganfield spent more than two years in hospital and nine months at Headley Court, the British Armed Forces’ rehabilitation centre, before slowly rebuilding her life.

Sport has played a big role in that. Inspired by the first Invictus Games for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women in 2014, Ganfield began running to raise money for Blind Veterans UK and completed the London Marathon in 2015.

After moving to Trowbridge last year, she decided to target a place at the Invictus Games and began training three days a week with Yorston at the Sports Training Village – a decision that has had a huge impact both physically and mentally.

“At first I didn’t have enough confidence to get on the buses as I’m not from the area, so my wife Sarah would have to drive me here,” explained Ganfield, who is originally from Plymouth.

“I didn’t think that was fair, so I decided to take the plunge and now I get the bus from Trowbridge to Bath Bus Station, cross the road and get another bus up to the University, then it’s back to Trowbridge. I’m still not brave enough to walk around Bath city centre on my own yet but that is my next aim.

“I have felt very vulnerable since losing my Army career because most of my health issues are hidden. No one would know from looking at me that I have a brain injury and visual impairment.

“I am having to relearn everything, as well as test myself by doing things like getting a bus and coming to a gym which can be noisy and hectic. It’s a big thing but I am as determined as ever and I’ve always believed anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

“I’m not the person I used to be, I get that fully, but I don’t let that stop me and I think Corinne has seen that in me, which is why she pushes me as hard as she can. I respect that a great deal and it makes me want to do the best I can, not only for me but for Corinne as well.”

That respect is mutual with Yorston saying: “Kelly is an extremely committed and determined athlete. Alongside that, she is an amazing person who has worked incredibly hard since beginning her training.

“To have made it to where she is now from where she began and having never rowed before shows the effort she has put in to achieving this dream. Alongside a top work ethic, she always brings a lot of entertainment and character to the sessions, making it very rewarding to coach her. I’m very proud of her for achieving this deserved selection.”

Ganfield is also grateful for the support of the wider Team Bath community and proudly wears the Blue and Gold colours when training and competing.

“The facilities here are phenomenal and I feel very relaxed and comfortable in this environment,” she said. “It is particularly good for visually-impaired people, with yellow markings on the floor and logos on the glass.

“Above all the people here are lovely, they couldn’t be more helpful.”

The Invictus Games are taking place from September 23-30 and will feature more than 550 athletes from 17 countries. Visit www.invictusgames2017.com for further details.

For more information about training at the University of Bath, visit www.teambath.com/fitness.

Report courtesy of Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd.

The Invictus Games Foundation Patron joined the crowds cheering on track and field athletes and rowers as they looked to earn their place in the UK team for this year’s Games in Toronto, Canada.

Prince Harry also met with the serving and veteran servicemen and women who are using sport as part of their recovery.

Before heading to the indoor and outdoor athletics tracks, Prince Harry visited the STV’s multi-purpose jumps and throws hall to meet with the Rugby Football Union Injured Players Foundation (IPF) and discover how IPF-funded research at the University is helping to improve player welfare and reduce players’ injury risk.

Visiting in his capacity as IPF Patron, Prince Harry met researchers who have led advances over the past decade in developing new injury prevention techniques and protocols for rugby union. He also watched demonstrations of the team’s IPF study, involving members of the University’s rugby team, which assessed the impact of forces involved in the tackle.

Prince Harry was welcomed to the University of Bath by Steve Egan, the University’s Vice-President (Implementation). It is the second successive year that the Invictus Games Trials have taken place at the Sports Training Village.

Stephen Baddeley, Director of Sport at the University of Bath, said: “We are proud and honoured that the Invictus Games UK Trials are once again taking place here. It is a truly inspirational event and another outstanding demonstration of the Sports Training Village’s capabilities to host multi-sport and disability-sport competition.

“It was also a pleasure to welcome Prince Harry back here and great that he had the opportunity to see the pioneering research in high-performance sport being done at the University.”

Among the sportspeople taking part in the trials was Scott Meenagh, a double amputee who lost both his legs after stepping on an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) while serving in Afghanistan in 2011.

Supported by the Help for Heroes Sports Recovery programme, Meenagh has won rowing medals at the past two Invictus Games but this year is trialling for the athletics team.

“I’m trying something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I’m loving it,” he said. “I’ve done the 100m, 200m, 400m and 1,500m today and really enjoyed it.

“Prince Harry is such a fantastic patron for the Invictus Games. He gets the Invictus spirit and understands what it is. He doesn’t just show up for the photoshoots, he really rolls his sleeves up and gets involved. You can really relate to him because he has our best interests at heart.

“The University of Bath is like another world, I’m absolutely blown away by all the sporting facilities here. It’s also been incredibly easy for us in terms of access and all the staff have been awesome – it’s just been a great event so far and hopefully that’s how it will continue for the weekend.”

As well as athletics and rowing, trialists will also be competing in archery, cycling, golf, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis and swimming.

The Invictus Games set out to harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for our wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.

The UK team, which is sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover, will be selected based on the benefit the Invictus Games will give an individual as part of their recovery, combined with performance and commitment to training.

This year’s Games will run from September 23-30 in Toronto. Tickets and further details are available at http://www.invictusgames2017.com/

Report courtesy of Team Bath press office at Matchtight Ltd.

The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 will bring together over 500 competitors from 17 nations who will compete in 11 adaptive sports. Events will be held across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour.

In the video message Prince Harry, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation said: “The Invictus Games has shown us what can be achieved when wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women rediscover their fighting spirit through sport. In London and again Orlando, we came away moved by the tales of courage that got each competitor through their rehabilitation to the start line of their chosen sport. Tens of thousands of people packed stadiums and millions more watched at home. We were ALL inspired. We have raised the bar higher with each successive games, and I know that Toronto are planning an incredible event when they host the Games in September. And I am happy to say the Invictus Games journey won’t end there.”

Prince Harry explained why the Sydney bid won the rights to the 2018 Invictus Games: “We had three key criteria. First, it had to be an iconic city – somewhere known the world over. Second, it needed to be a city with a proud military heritage, which would welcome competitors from all over the world with open arms. And finally, we wanted to go somewhere where they are absolutely sports mad and would really get behind our competitors. It was an easy decision really – the 2018 Invictus Games are coming to Sydney.”

The video, which was filmed at the Tourism Australia offices in Australia House, London, features Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Ambassador and Wallabies captain Stephen Moore as well as members of the Australian Defense Force members from all three services. The video also features a message from Kylie Minogue.

Curtis McGrath, 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games medallist said: “I’ve been lucky enough to compete in two Invictus Games – in London and in Orlando – and you can’t underestimate the difference these Games can make to someone’s life. Just having the chance to stand alongside fellow wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women and once again represent your country is something I never take for granted. The Invictus Games have opened up so many opportunities for me and given me a new inspiration for life. I can’t wait for the Invictus Games to come to Sydney in 2018 and show the world what Australia and Australians are made of.”

Lt Gen Leahy, chair of Invictus Games Sydney 2018 said: “The Invictus Games is far more than a sporting event. It is a movement which celebrates the military community and the spirit that defines their service. We will continue the legacy of these great Games by embracing the Invictus spirit and celebrating the Games not only in Sydney, but across the entire country. Australians are well known for many great things, with their proud ANZAC spirit and respect for service to the nation being two of them. Sydney will be the perfect location.”

The Invictus Games Foundation, established to develop and pursue the event’s legacy, sets out desired requirements for future host cities to ensure the next Invictus Games meet stringent quality standards. This includes a mandatory minimum of 10 participating nations, 250 competitors and five sports; a strong families programme; appropriate venues and sport infrastructure; extensive broadcast and media coverage and access to the Games for spectators and media.

The announcement was made with just under a year to go to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 which will welcome over 550 competitors from 17 nations from 23 – 30 September. You can find more information here. Please visit  for more information.

Or you can find more information on Invictus Games Sydney 2018 here.

Making the announcement via video message, Prince Harry explained why he is delighted there is another chapter in the Invictus.

Prince Harry said: “The last Invictus Games inspired tens of thousands of people and was enjoyed by millions of others around the world. I always hoped the Invictus story would continue after the London games.  And having seen so many new people benefit from their journey to Orlando this year, I definitely didn’t want it to end here.

So today, I am absolutely delighted to announce that the Invictus legacy will continue when Toronto host the third Invictus Games in September 2017. 2017 is a year steeped in rich Canadian military history, marking the anniversaries of historic battles that shaped and defined the nation. It’s also the year when Canada will commemorate its 150th anniversary of Confederation. I can’t think of a better way to mark this milestone than by paying tribute to the soldiers and veterans who have served their country so bravely and to support them along their journey to recovery.”

The Invictus Games Foundation, established to develop and pursue the event’s legacy, sets out desired requirements for future host cities to ensure the next Invictus Games meet stringent quality standards. This includes a mandatory minimum of 10 participating nations, 250 competitors and five sports; a strong families programme; appropriate venues and sport infrastructure; extensive broadcast and media coverage and access to the Games for spectators and media.

The Toronto bid won the rights to the 2017 Invictus Games as it demonstrated a real understanding of the core concept and vision of the Games. The Invictus Games Foundation felt Toronto’s sporting venues and great city infrastructure would offer competitors and their families a real Canadian experience.

Having recently hosted thousands of visitors during the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, the Invictus Games will present another opportunity for Toronto to showcase its status as a world-class tourism destination.

Bruno Guévremont, 2016 captain of Team Canada said: “I know first-hand how difficult it can be to struggle with physical and mental health issues that are related to the service you have given to your country. Competing in the Invictus Games, on home soil, will provide me and my fellow military competitors with the pride and confidence needed to push our minds and bodies beyond what we thought was possible – to represent our country shoulder-to-shoulder, as we once did.”

Michael Burns, chief executive officer, Invictus Games Toronto 2017 said: “This country’s non-military citizens actively look for ways to express their gratitude to our military, and the Invictus Games will provide an ideal forum for what we know will be an unprecedented outpouring of support.”

The announcement was made with just over 50 days to go to the start of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016, presented by Jaguar Land Rover. Hundreds of men and women around the world are currently making their final preparations, preparing their bodies and minds to push harder than ever before, to show the world what they can achieve post-injury.

The Games will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from 8 – 12 May.

Tickets for the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 are now on sale and can be purchased at here. 

Report courtesy of the Invictus Games

Photo: Bryn Vaile/Matchtight Ltd

Prince Harry today dropped in on the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village to watch and support athletes seeking selection to the 100-strong UK team for the 2016 Invictus Games.

The Invictus Games Foundation Patron met with serving and veteran servicemen and women who are using sport as part of their recovery.

Staff at the Sports Training Village already have expertise in hosting multi-sport and single-sport disabled sports events with the University having been ParalympicsGB’s training base in the lead up to London 2012.

Prince Harry was greeted on arrival by Steve Egan, the University’s Vice-President (Implementation) as well as Invictus staff.

Stephen Baddeley, the University’s Director of Sport, said:  “We are delighted to be hosting such an inspirational event and Prince Harry’s visit today added a frisson of excitement for all involved.

“We are proud that the Sports Training Village has the kind of unique capabilities, along with a group of skilled staff, that are needed to host these type of multi-sport events”.

The Prince went straight to the athletics track to watch the competition before moving into the East Building to talk to athletes and meet media from the UK and overseas who were following his visit.

Before leaving the University, he took time to watch wheelchair tennis players warming up for their competition and talked with them on court.

In Bath, familiar faces from the 2014 Invictus Games were joined by many new sign-ups who have all been spurred on by the inaugural games in 2014 and the day-to-day sports recovery activity that takes place. The Invictus Games set out to harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for our wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.

The UK team, which is sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover, will be selected based on the benefit the Invictus Games will give an individual as part of their recovery, combined with performance and commitment to training.

Hopefuls have the opportunity to take part in ten sports at the trials in the next three days: Athletics; Archery; Wheelchair Basketball; Road Cycling; Powerlifting; Indoor Rowing; Wheelchair Rugby; Swimming, Sitting Volleyball, and Wheelchair Tennis.

Tickets for the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 will go on sale in February. However, from today fans can reserve their tickets by visiting this link: http://invictusgames2016.org/tickets/

Report courtesy of the Team Bath press office