Inspirational hero

If you’re feeling life’s dealt you a rough hand, or you’re injured and can’t play your favourite sport. Or you’re looking for inspiration generally . . . treat yourself to a quick google of Mark Ormrod, triple amputee. The British Royal Marine has, in the past year, become something of superstar on the motivational circuit (if there is such a thing). He was honoured for his performances at last year’s Invictus Games — for wounded and injured armed service personnel. He starred again at this year’s event in Australia, finishing today. The guy is honestly amazing. He has no legs and one arm and the video clip from a BCC item about him shows him diving — yes, actually diving — into a pool and swimming fast, and balanced, with his one arm. It wouldn’t be something you’d bet on but he might be fast enough to beat former Olympian Eric The Eel. Ormrod lost his limbs in 2007 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. He was told to brace himself for a life in a wheelchair. Ormrod thought otherwise and hasn’t used a wheelchair since 2009. He has state-of-the-art prosthetics but not when he swims (obviously). He remains humble about his achievements, saying recently: “I don’t really know what I’m doing but I’m just having a go and figuring it out as I go. All I’m doing is living — like everyone else does.”