Fife veteran Michael Mellon has won a silver medal at the Invictus Games in Sydney.
Michael, 38, was part of Team UK’s sitting volleyball squad who narrowly lost to Georgia in the final, a repeat of the result at the 2017 games.
Not one for resting, Michael, from Cardenden, was back in action the following day to take part in wheelchair rugby heats.
The British team, supported by Help for Heroes, is scheduled to take on the USA in the semi-final on Thursday, meaning Michael could be in line to add to his medal tally.
The former aircraftman is Scotland’s only representative in the UK team for this year’s Invictus Games, set up by Prince Harry.
Richard Brickley, the president of Disability Sport Fife, congratulated Michael, who he described as a great team player and terrific family man.
“We are all thrilled to bits,” said Mr Brickley.
“He is an exceptional young man and is very, very special. He is a sensational guy who has been through an enormous amount.
“He is very much a team man – if you want a man in the lifeboat with you, then Michael is that man.”
Emotions of the winning moment and mates looking after mates! #IG2018 #GameOnDownUnder pic.twitter.com/dDCTTjXUxm
— InvictusSydney (@InvictusSydney) October 24, 2018
Michael, whose family is in Sydney cheering him on, made his Invictus debut at the Toronto games in 2017 where he won silver and bronze medals.
Just before heading to Australia he admitted he was more nervous this time around as there was an expectation of success.
Michael’s health issues started after he broke his tibia and fibula playing rugby for RAF Honington 17 years ago.
That led to compartment syndrome in his left leg.
He has also battled depression and gives credit to training for the Game for helping him, saying it has been a “life changing event” for him.
Jayne Kavanagh, of Help for Heroes and Team UK Chef de Mission, said: “We are delighted with Michael and his teammates’ success in the sitting volleyball team.
“The team have all been working extremely hard for this moment and have done us proud.
“Achieving their goals with the British public behind them provides an incredible springboard for the recovery journeys that will continue long after the games have ended.
“Invictus is about far more than winning medals, so a silver medal has come as a special bonus for Team UK.”
