Townsend wins four track golds at Invictus Games

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Competing for the British Armed Forces in the Invictus Games in London, Joe Townsend won four gold medals on the athletics track.

Championed by HRH Prince Harry, the Invictus Games is a celebration of resilience and passion. The name Invictus comes from the Latin for ‘unconquered’. Over 400 competitors, serving military personnel and veterans, from thirteen countries are taking part in nine different sports during four days of competition, which started today.

Townsend won an unprecedented four gold medals representing the British Armed Forces on the track over 100m, 200m, 400m and 1500m.  He will also compete in the cycling events on Saturday.

After winning all four medals within one afternoon he said: “It’s been absolutely incredible. The whole stadium has been amazing and I’ve been pushing it to the end to keep this crowd entertained.”

Townsend is part of the UK Sport Lottery Funded British Paratriathlon Squad and finished fourth at the ITU World Championships in Edmonton less than two weeks ago. Earlier this summer he won a bronze medal at the ETU European Championships.

The 26 year old lost both legs after standing on an anti-tank mine in Afganistan in 2008. He has his sights on competing at the 2016 Paralympic Games. His PT1 category is confirmed for inclusion in the Paralympic triathlon as the sport makes its debut in Rio.

For more information about the BBC’s coverage of the Invictus Games visit bbc.co.uk/invictusgames.

 

Published 11 September 2014

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