Amazing Laura Brings Two Medals Home From Invictus Games

A student studying at The Sixth Form College has achieved an incredible feat and scooped two medals for the UK team at the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida.

Laura Knowles, who is on the pre-degree Foundation to Health and Veterinary Studies (Year 0) which leads directly to the University of Liverpool, secured a silver and a bronze medal in the rowing events at the Games. Inside the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort, Laura took part in a spectacular opening ceremony before competing in rowing, powerlifting and field events.

After shaking hands with Prince Harry (and claiming: “I’ll never wash my hands again!”), Laura made the powerlifting finals before producing an incredible rowing performance, making a distance of 1042m in the four minute time slot, only eight metres shy of the gold medalist’s time. In the shorter, one minute timing, her bronze position of 297m was just two metres behind gold.

The Invictus Games were established under the leadership of Harry, Prince of Wales, in 2014 to support Service men and women who have suffered injuries both visible and invisible while serving their country, and ‘harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect’.

Laura, 24, served in the Welsh Guards and is one whose injuries are less visible than others, as she was discharged on the grounds of mental health.

Speaking from Orlando, Laura said: “Standing on the podium was epic and a little surreal, to be honest. Every now and then it hits me exactly what these Games are about and I get quite emotional. But when you chat to the other athletes afterwards, it's not about the competition; it's about making these new friends for life.”

When not studying on her Year 0 course or playing sport, Laura works raising awareness and funds for mental health charity, Mind, and said that there is still a lack of understanding about the depression and anxiety with which she suffers.

For anybody else suffering with the same problems, she said: “Don't be ashamed and don't let it define you. No matter what it is, be it trauma, abuse, mental or physical injury, you can still do whatever you put your mind to. These Games are testament to that.”