A GOLD-MEDAL winning athlete who was praised by royalty has been celebrated on return to the city he calls home.
Colchester resident Wali Noori, a four-time Invictus Games gold medal winner, has been presented with a certificate of outstanding merit by the army charity, The League of Remembrance.
Hosted by Level Best Enterprises in St John's Street, Colchester, Wali was presented with the award by Major Rob Thomas to recognise his achievements and welcome home celebrations ensued.
Wali proudly served alongside the British Army in his home country of Afghanistan as a translator and cultural advisor before tragically being blinded by an Improvised Explosive Device in 2009.
Having always been enthusiastic about running since his teen years, after Wali relocated to Colchester in 2016, he began training again with a guide from Help for Heroes and has competed in various sporting competitions such as the London Marathon.
Incredibly, Wali took home four gold medals for the UK in September’s Invictus Games held in Dusseldorf, Germany, for his efforts in the visually impaired 100m, 200m, 400m, and the 1500m races.
Speaking at the home coming event, Wali explained how he has completed one of his biggest goals.
He said: “Having a disability does not stop you from achieving, I waited five years to be chosen to compete in the Invictus Games, and I have now achieved my goal.”
Major Rob Thomas added: “Organising this event was very important to the League of Remembrance.
“Our core purpose is to unlock opportunities for our Armed Forces community, particularly for veterans and their families, and supporting Wali delivers our intent perfectly.
“His performance has been exceptional and presenting him with an award to recognise his outstanding achievement has been an absolute pleasure.”
The courageous individual previously spoke to The Gazette and recounted meeting Prince Harry at the Invictus Games, stating that the prince encouraged him and said he "should be proud” of his numerous gold medal wins.
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.
The exceptional athlete is now hoping to enter the Paralympics in the future.
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