Fife veteran Michael Mellon has capped a glittering Invictus Games with a third medal.
The Cardenden veteran was part of the UK team’s bronze-medal winning side in the final day’s wheelchair basketball.
He had already collected silver in both the sitting volleyball and wheelchair rugby finals.
It’s been a hugely successful games under the Sydney skies for the 38-year-old who is part of the British team supported by Help for Heroes.
Speaking on TV with his team mates shortly after his third medal in the early hours of Saturday, he said it felt great to pick up a bronze with the team.
“They are a great bunch of players on the team and they have worked hard for the last six or seven months.
“Everyone deserves the bronze they have got.”
Michael, whose family is in Australia to cheer him on, said he particularly liked team sports, enjoying different aspects of each discipline.
And he credited sport, and the Invictus Games – started four years ago by Prince Harry – with being a turning point in his life.
Michael’s leg had to be amputated after he developed compartment syndrome.
Before the operation his lack of mobility had seen him pile on the weight.
Coupled with depression, he admitted he “struggled in civvy street”.
“When I had the leg off it was like a fresh start,” he said, adding he began on the road to getting fit and healthy again.
Now being part of the team has done wonders for him, and he spoke of the camaraderie with the lads on training camps.
“There is always lots of banter.”
He said he loved the Invictus Games.
“Every team is unique, there are different characters in each group.
“It is great.”
