Two Invictus Games athletes have won medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games as of day 2

As a fervent admirer of these extraordinary individuals who defy all odds and inspire us every day, I find myself utterly captivated by the tales of resilience and triumph that unfold at the Paralympic Games in Paris. It’s been 10 years since the inception of the Invictus Games, and it’s truly awe-inspiring to witness how these games have nurtured and empowered athletes like Jaco van Gass and Ellie Marks.

For a decade now, the Invictus Games have been a part of our lives, and within this span, we’ve witnessed three Paralympic Games taking place – Rio in 2016, Tokyo in 2020, and soon Paris in 2024. As the Paralympic Games in Paris officially kick off, it’s worth noting that two athletes from the Invictus Games have already claimed medals.

Eight Paralympians are associated with the Invictus Games community, but one hasn’t competed in a team for the Invictus Games so far; he’s active within the community nonetheless. As of the second day of competition, two Invictus Games participants have already secured medals.

Initially, we introduce Jaco van Gass. Earlier, we wrote about his gold medal victory for Team GB in the C3 3000m Para Cycling Track individual pursuit event, as just a week before the games commenced, there was uncertainty if he could compete due to an accident involving a car while training. However, upon discovering that he is an athlete of the Invictus Games, we found out about his past achievements. Specifically, prior to the establishment of those games, he embarked on an expedition alongside Prince Harry, culminating in a march to the South Pole in 2013. This expedition was carried out for the Walking with the Wounded charitable organization and resulted in a donation of £1.5 million.

Invictus Games athletes have already medaled at the Paralympic Games in Paris as of day 2

Two Invictus Games athletes have won medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games as of day 2

Ellie Marks, an athlete from the United States, is the second competitor at the Invictus Games to secure not just one but three medals at the Paralympic Games. These medals were all silvers, which she earned in swimming events.

Ellie Marks has earned recognition at the Invictus Games with her medals: one from the Mixed 4x50m Freestyle Relay worth 20 points, another from the Women’s 200m Individual Medley SM6, and a third from the Women’s 50m freestyle S6. Notably, Ellie Marked a memorable moment in the Invictus Games when she requested that Prince Harry mail her swimming gold medal from Orlando 2016 to Papworth Hospital as a token of gratitude for saving her life. Tragically, Ellie was unable to participate in the initial games due to a lung condition, but the dedicated care she received at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire, UK enabled her to recover and compete.

These two athletes have achieved remarkable feats not only during the Invictus Games and the Paralympics, but also in their everyday lives. We commend them for their dedication and perseverance displayed so far in these competitions. May future Invictus Games participants experience similar success at the Paralympics.

2024-08-31 12:32