FORMER soldier James McGill will represent the UK in Orlando after being selected for the Invictus Games next month.
Rugby-born McGill will compete in the track and field and swimming events at the Games which take place from May 8-12.
A former Grenadier Guard, McGill was medically discharged from the army after an explosive device was activated while he was in Afghanistan. After rehabilitation, he began working at Jaguar Land Rover in Whitley back in July 2015 where he was encouraged to try out for the Games along with other former and serving armed forces personnel colleagues
More than 180 WIS military personnel and veterans trialed ten sports for one of the 110 places available in the UK Team. The rigorous selection process was based on the benefit the Invictus Games will give an individual as part of their recovery, combined with performance and commitment to training.
“The journey to selection has been tough, with so many great competitors in the mix, but the Invictus Games has given so many former and serving men and women a renewed focus and set of goals which should never be underestimated,” said McGill.
“Rehabilitation is a very personal thing but to be in employment and have a focus and support from a company like Jaguar Land Rover is one of the reasons I am able to be here today and look forward to competing in Orlando in May.”
