KIKO MATTHEWS
Soldier James, 31, lost both his legs when he stepped on a bomb while erving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in November 2009.
James, from Middlesbrough, nearly died, and had four years of treatment or injuries including a broken pelvis.
He suffered from depression after being discharged from the Army in 2014 – but last year he won ilver and gold medals in itting volleyball and wheelchair basketball at he Invictus Games.
He said: “I needed to ind my mojo again.” Kiko, 37, from Herefordshire, was diagnosed with Cushings Disease in 2009, a lifehreatening condition which causes umours on the pituitary gland.
The former science teacher survived two brain tumours and a life-threatening illness o become the fastest-ever woman to row cross the Atlantic, solo and unsupported, ast year – completing the epic task in 49 days, seven hours and 15 minutes. She said: “I have shown that anyone can attempt anything given the right attitude, belief and support.” Debbie O’Connell running 1500m Kiko, 37, rowed across the Atlantic James at the Invictus Games and left with wife Naiomi When he was 27, doctors told Paul he would never walk again when an avalanche broke his back in 2008.
With painstaking rehabilitation and the aid of carbon fibre splints and sticks, Paul, from
London, completed a full Ironman triathlon, comprising of a
2.4mile swim, 112mile cycle, and a 26.2mile walk, five years later.
He ended the challenge by scaling the 200ft cliff face he fell down at 100mph while skiing in La
Plagne, France.
Paul, now 37, said:
“What I am most Paul proud of is that I finished triathlon managed to turn a tragic event into a happy one. I have hopefully inspired a few to make life better for themselves.” Debbie served as a gunner in the Royal Artillery, but was discharged in 2017 when she was thrown from a horse.
The accident shattered her collarbone, breaking it into four and leaving her with a paralysed left arm.
But after returning to civilian life, the 31-year-old from Lincoln competed in the Invictus Games.
She matched the men’s team success, winning two gold medals for cycling and two silver running medals.
Debbie, who now works as a funeral director, said: “I now have the determination to pick myself up, focus and train again for a good cause – me.” ON PODIUM Debbie wins gold