A COURAGEOUS and inspiring Colchester athlete has labelled his Invictus Games wins as a “life changing moment” - and he even got to meet royalty.
Wali Noori, aged 35, competed in the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany earlier this month, bringing home four gold medals for the UK.
The keen runner, who has competed in various sporting competitions such as the London Marathon, was victorious in the visually impaired 100m, 200m, 400m, and the 1500m races.
The four wins have also had an incredible impact on Mr Noori’s life, says the runner, who was taken aback by the amazing atmosphere once he realised he obtained gold in each race.
He said: “After each win, [there is] a special ceremony in the stadium, there were thousands of spectators in the arena.
“The medals were given by military generals, I can’t explain it, it was an amazing moment.
“I was so proud of myself and so proud to represent the UK. It was an important time of my life.”
The annual sporting event features international competitors who have been wounded or injured or become ill in the line of duty.
It’s open to military servicemen and women who are currently serving, as well as veterans.
In 2009, whilst working with the British Army in his home country of Afghanistan as a translator and cultural advisor, Mr Noori was left permanently blinded after encountering an improvised explosive device.
Mr Noori was “not surprised” by the life-changing incident, as he says he was aware of the dangers and was proud to have served his “country and the British forces".
But the “very tough” ordeal did take its toll on his love of running, something he discovered as a teenager when he would often take part in altitude training and run around the mountains in Kabul.
After moving to Colchester, however, his for the sport was restored.
He said: “[Before I was] brought to the UK in 2016, I had a tough time, I couldn’t run, go to clubs or exercise.
“When I was relocated, I didn’t know I could run with a guide, and I started to pick it up and achieve something for myself and my family.”
If winning four medals wasn't enough, during his time at the Invictus Games Mr Noori also met Prince Harry, who founded the sporting event.
“I didn’t know he was going to come see us," he said.
"Someone came to me and shook my hand and said hello, so I asked who he was and he replied saying ‘I’m Prince Harry’.
"I then said sorry, but it was all alright.
“For the second time meeting him, he came and sat with me and had a nice chat, he said I should be proud as I’d won three medals so far and I was going for my fourth. I was so pleased to meet him.”
The star athlete, who is looking to enter the Paralympics in the future, now hopes his victories will inspires others to overcome adversity.
He said: “I always say life is full of tests, never ever surrender to your problems. If you fall, get up and try again.
"Try and try until you achieve. A disability is just something, it won’t stop you from achieving.”
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