Train driver Steve is all set to take on the world
EX-SERVICEMAN Steve Cokayne will be jetting off to Canada on Thursday to compete in this year’s Invictus Games.
The 49-year-old former Royal Artillery man from Hinckley is to represent the UK in the 100m sprint, shot put, discus and power lifting at the international competition in Toronto which runs from this Saturday (September 23) to next Saturday.
Founded by Prince Harry and first held in 2014, Invictus showcases the abilities of ex-service men and women who have overcome injuries and health issues sustained in service.
Train driver Mr Cokayne, who has been supported by Help for Heroes, badly injured his right leg on a military exercise in 1988 and, following repeated surgery, had it amputated below the knee in 2009.
He was selected from around 400 hopefuls as one of the oldest members of a 90-strong team looking to medal this year.
Supported by Simply Gym in Hinckley, Mr Cokayne has also attended national training camps around the country to improve his personal best performance ahead of the competition.
The BBC, ITV and even Vanity Fair magazine have all been keen to interview him - and to quiz him on his conversations with Prince Harry who has taken a great interest in team members and their preparations since their selection in April.
On Monday he was one of around 10 team members chosen to appear on BBC One’s The One Show, one of the final media appearances before the games begin.
Speaking to The Hinckley Times before leaving, he said: “I can’t believe how quickly the past few months have gone by.
“I’m really looking forward to it now but it’s going to be manic.
“All four of my events are being held in the first three days.”
Among those cheering him on from home will be his wife Barbara, a Hinckley care-worker, with whom he celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary in August.