Tadley man meets Prince Harry at Invictus Games

Experience of a lifetime in sunny Florida

A TADLEY man has enjoyed the experience of a lifetime at the 2016 Invictus Games in Florida, where he shared a moment with Prince Harry.

Ashley Coles, aged 27, met Invictus president Prince Harry for a second time at the five-day games, which ended last Thursday, at the ESPN Wide World of Sport and Walt Disney World, in Orlando, after first speaking to the prince last month at the trials in Bath.

“I showed Prince Harry a tattoo I’ve had done since the last Invictus Games in 2014, and he was impressed,” said Mr Coles, whose mother and grandfather joined him in the US for the games.

Mr Coles participated in the athletics 1,500m, where he was placed 15th, and also the four minute and one minute rowing events, in which he finished 37th.

He said: “I loved my 1,500m race – it’s what I’ve been training for.

“Walking out ahead of the rowing race was awesome, there were lots of people cheering me.”

The former Army rifleman suffered a brain injury after a car accident in 2010, which affected the right side of his body and speech.

He has since been diagnosed with epilepsy, but says fitness keeps him focused and motivated.

“I’ve really enjoyed being here and competing – it’s great to see lots of new people,” he said. “For anyone that might be watching at home in a similar position, get your life sorted by getting into sport.”

A total of 15 nations took part in the games, involving more than 500 military competitors in 10 events, cheered on by thousands of spectators.

The games, of which former US President, George Bush, is honorary chairman, aim to highlight holistic recovery and rehabilitation through sport for wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women.