Invictus Games Athletes “Real Heroes” Declares New Invictus Ambassador and Olympic Swimming Legend Ian Thorpe in Countdown to Opening Ceremony
Orlando—Multiple Olympic and world swimming champion Ian Thorpe was announced today as an ambassador for the second Invictus Games for wounded, injured and ill active and veteran service men and women.
The poolside presence of the highly decorated Australian swimmer for a meeting and pep talk with members of the Australian Invictus team sent ripples of excitement amongst curious onlookers in the countdown to the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony later today.
The highly anticipated Opening Ceremony will be attended by First Lady, Michelle Obama, and other high profile members from US and international political, sporting and entertainment sectors of society.
Almost 500 competitors from 14 nations will compete in the Invictus Games which were staged for the first time in London in 2014 under the patronage of HRH Prince Harry, who has also been a strong and passionate supporter of the Games here in Orlando.
Thorpe’s arrival at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Invictus Games site raised excitement amongst athletes from other nations as well members of the Australian team.
“It’s extremely cool to have an Olympic champion like Ian Thorpe here for the Invictus Games. Ian’s presence will bring attention to this event and I am sure he’ll be impressed by the skills and achievements that he will see from athletes competing with a wide range of challenges including missing limbs,” said U.S. Invictus team member Michael Roggio, who will compete in the finals of the 100 meter freestyle later in the week.
U.S. Invictus team member Michael Roggio jokes with Invictus ambassador Shawn Johnson
Australian swimmer and double leg amputee Curtis McGrath, who lost his legs as the result of an Improvised Explosive Device in Afghanistan, said team members were excited to meet Thorpe and receive some tips from the swimming icon.
“Ian is an Olympic champion and to have him and the other ambassadors here on the eve of competition is a great inspiration,” said McGrath, who will also represent Australia at the Rio 2016 Paralympics as a canoeist after the Invictus Games.
“Ian’s presence here as part of the Invictus Games will also help to highlight our recovery and how far we have come,” McGrath said.
Thorpe said the Invictus athletes were “already heroes because of the sacrifices they have made and the dedication they were now making to be able to participate in sport and inspire other people.”
He said he believed strongly in providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds and abilities to participate in sport.
“It’s a pleasure to be here for the Invictus Games and to support this event and the attention the Games are receiving from nations around the world,” said Thorpe.
Fellow ambassador and 2008 Beijing Olympic gymnastics gold medalist for the U.S., Shawn Johnson, was also present and welcomed Thorpe to the Orlando Invictus Games.
“It’s exciting and an honor to have him here,” said Johnson.
