Photo By Tech. Sgt. Heather Kelly | U.S. Special Operations teammembers U.S. Army Capt. Ivan Castro and 1st Lt. Phillip...... read more read more
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Athletes with the U.S. Special Operations Command team took home eight medals during track, field and swimming events to close out this year’s Warrior Games. The joint service team doubled their awards over 2011 results, bringing home a total of 10 medals during competitions throughout the week.
In track and field events, USSOCOM team member U.S. Army Capt. Ivan Castro garnered three silver medals in the men’s 100 and 200 meter dash and 1500 meter run, visually impaired categories. Blinded after a mortar attack in 2006, a simple shoestring allows Castro to run tethered to partner, gauging both direction and speed while competing.
Fellow teammate U.S. Army Sgt. James Pruitt took silver in the men’s shot put and bronze in the discus throw, open combined categories, while U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Travis Wilson went on to secure the gold in men’s shot put and discus throw in the standing - other categories.
U.S. Army veteran Anthony Radetic took the sole medal for the team in swimming events, securing the bronze in the men’s 50 meter freestyle, spinal cord injury multi-class category.
“I was excited and surprised by the win,” said Radetic. “Being here with guys who have gone through similar experiences and challenges helps you push beyond limitations. I look forward to coming back next year and competing with the team.”
The Warrior Games concluded with awards and a celebration May 5. The U.S. Marine Corps team took home the Chairman’s Cup for the third year in a row, and Marine Jonathan Disbro claimed his second consecutive Ultimate Champion award.
Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Mark Clark, USSOCOM chief of staff, attended the games, remarking on the spirit and accomplishments of the USSOCOM team and all wounded warrior athletes.
“A saying posted on the wall inside the Olympic Training Center captured the setting of these Warrior Games: Praxis means not only to try, but also to penetrate, to fight, to give in, to win, to lose, to kneel down, to get up, to accept the struggle and fight until the last breath,” said Clark. “That saying reflected what we saw - a group of our wounded warriors who came together with a competitive spirit and were determined to not let anything hold them back from doing what they love."
“I walked away from these games feeling they had given me more than I had given them. They are a source of inspiration and motivation to all of us who had the honor and privilege to watch them compete.”
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2012 14:56 |
| Story ID: | 88103 |
| Location: | COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 142 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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