LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
JJ CHALMERS AND ALEX JONES ARE HEADING TO SYDNEY…
THESE PEOPLE DESERVE TO BE TREATED LIKE ROCK STARS” JJ
In just four years, the Invictus Games – founded by Prince Harry in 2014 and open to all wounded or sick Armed Forces serving personnel and veterans – have gone from strength to strength, and the team behind this year’s Games, held in Sydney, is keen to make it the biggest and best yet.
Inside TV caught up with this year’s UK presenting anchors, Alex Jones and
2014 gold-medal winner JJ Chalmers, to find out what we can expect…
“When we first turned up in 2014, we thought it was going to be a sports day and we’d all do an egg-and-spoon race!” admits JJ. “Then you get there, and it’s the Olympic Park! And this time it’s also on the BBC, Alex Jones is going to be there – it’s a big deal!
You feel like a rock star and, from my point of view, when I look at these individuals, they deserve to be treated like rock stars. These guys have gone through more than anybody to even get to the starting line, let alone the finish, and that’s why we will do whatever we can to make this coverage shine.”
And while this is Alex’s first time presenting at the Games, she has history with the event. “We’ve covered it on The
One Show since its inception,” she explains. “We’ve talked to Prince Harry about it – we’ve actually had JJ on to talk about it! But to get to go to Sydney, watch the games and get to know the people whose lives it’s going to transform, and their families, that’s what I’m really looking forward to.”
There’s also a new event for this year’s Games, as sailing is on the itinerary for the first time. And JJ reckons Sydney is the perfect host city for it…
“The first day of the contest is down in the harbour right in front of the Sydney Opera House – it’ll be beautiful,” he grins. “It’s a sport built around teamwork and the adaptation of the boat itself in order that, whatever your ailment might be, it’s a level playing field. But let’s be honest – it’s Australia, the water is like a bathtub, it’s going to be amazing!”
And while there’s sure to be fierce competition for medals, the event serves a wider purpose in helping those who’ve experienced a major setback to have something to focus on. So whatever the outcome, there’s really a sense that everyone’s a winner.
“For an individual to have something horrendous happen, the Invictus Games give a platform where they can shine again,” shares Alex. “And for their families to see that transition, to get to the Games and achieve something else, I’m sure they’ll feel relief. That’s what we’re keen to reflect.”