Mansfield soldier ready to defend Invictus Games title in America

Luke Wigman, 29, was incapacitated in 2011 during his second tour of Afghanistan but is now looking forward to representing his country.

The Invictus Games were set up by Prince Harry for injured servicemen from all countries.

Luke was injured after standing on an improvised explosive device (IED) but the former paratrooper has fought his way back to fitness, adopting running as part of his rehab, and aims to be one of the fastest runners in the country.

His military career began in 2008 and in 2011 he was selected to join the elite SFSG, a special operations unit of the British armed forces.

Luke, who lives with his partner Nikki, competed in the inaugural 2014 Invictus Games and took the gold medal for the 1500m.

He says he is now looking to seal victory once again.

He said: “I’m determined to defend my title as well as compete in the 400m race.”

The Games begin in Orlando on Sunday, May 8.

As well as his sporting achievements, Luke continues to serve his community by working for the East Midlands Ambulance Service and is an ambassador for the RAF Benevolent Fund.