A Fife veteran whose leg was amputated after a serious injury is the only Scot preparing to compete in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games.
Michael Mellon has been selected to play wheelchair and sitting basketball, rugby and volleyball in the sporting event for wounded, injured and sick armed forces personnel and veterans in Sydney.
The 38-year-old former aircraftsman won silver and bronze medals in his Invictus debut in Toronto last year and has set his sights on gold at this year’s games, starting on October 20.
He said: “I am really looking forward to it but I am more nervous than I was last year.
“I think it’s because I won medals last year and feel there is that expectation to win another medal again.”
Michael, who has been supported by Help for Heroes, is also eager to meet the Duke and Duchess of Sussex again, having met Harry at last year’s games and Meghan in April.
He said: “I spoke to Meghan for about five minutes. I asked her if she had been to Australia before and she said no but if I was selected she would see me again so I expect she will be there.
“Prince Harry has been in the military as well and last year he came to wish us well. He really does have a lot of time for the guys.”
Michael, of Cardenden, will be cheered on from the stadium by wife Deborah, children Ryan, 13, Eve, 11, and Sarah, 7, and his parents Steven and Susan.
He made the difficult decision to have his lower leg amputated in 2013, after breaking his fibula and tibia playing rugby for RAF Honington 17 years ago.
His injury had led to compartment syndrome – bleeding or swelling in the muscles – in his left leg causing severe pain and nerve damage.
He struggled with depression after he was medically discharged from the RAF and returned to sport. He now credits training for the Invictus Games for helping him get his life back on track.
He said: “After becoming medically discharged I thought my life was over.
“Every day I just wished I was still in the RAF and with my friends.
“But I love being with the lads again – I feel like I’m accepted when I’m around them. And my eyes have been opened on how people in similar conditions have coped and progressed with their lives; how they cope with pain or feeling down.
“The Invictus Games have been huge for me, a life changing event.
“The adrenaline it gives you and the buzz is electric.”
