Go Jonny, go go go! A Wellingborough Army Reservist who had his leg reconstructed following a serious motorbike accident is celebrating a Bronze Medal win at the Invictus Games.
Staff Sergeant Jonny Ball, who serves with 6 Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion, pulled out all the stops picking up a Bronze Medal at Sunday's Men's IP9 Powerlifting competition.
Jonny, who also captains Team UK’s rowing team, has competed in a number of competitions throughout the week and will be competing in two Men's cycling competitions today (Friday).
Ahead of the games, which started on Saturday, Jonny said: “I never thought I would be a part of the games, but here I am. Representing my country and the Armed Forces and to then be selected as the team captain for rowing is an absolute honour and privilege. I am super proud but also a little bit anxious.”
I never thought I would be a part of the games, but here I am
Jonny is one of 59 men and women representing Team UK at the international sporting event until tomorrow, 16 September, in Dusseldorf and the UK team will be supported by the Royal British Legion (RBL) in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
The Invictus Games, established in 2014, provides an opportunity for those who have suffered illness or injury during or because of their service, to compete in a sporting environment as part of their recovery journey.
Jonny was on the way to a hospital appointment on his cherished Harley Davidson when he was hit by a car causing him life changing injuries to his lower left leg. It has been a four-year physical recovery that has included seven operations to reconstruct his leg and foot.
He said: “I’ve been given this amazing opportunity as part of my recovery, to get on with life and enjoy those things I enjoyed pre-injury.”
“Being in Team UK is part of my continuous journey of physical and mental recovery. Mentally it's given me the confidence to take part in activities I enjoyed pre-injury, such as cycling. I was able to get back on two wheels for the first time thanks to Invictus.”
He continued: Its lifted me out of isolation, given me confidence and created an environment where I have been able to open up to others and where others have felt able to open up to me.”
“I can’t wait to be shoulder to shoulder with my teammates as we form up as a country to take on other nations.”
Beyond the Invictus Games, sport is set to continue to feature in Jonny’s life. He aims to inspire others in similar situations including his disabled nephew who physically struggles.
He said: “I want children like my daughter to see different abilities as normal. I also want to push the message to serving and veteran reservists that they too could be a part of the Games. I think I am the only reservist taking part this year, it would be great to see a few more at the start line next year.”
Audiences can watch the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 from 6pm on Saturday 9 September on BBC iPlayer and the Red Button.
We wish Jonny the best of luck in today's Men's Cycling competitions in the Criterium Race and Time Trial.