A BRECON army veteran is gearing up to compete in the Invictus Games in Toronto starting this Sunday.
Steve Sebburn, 38, from Dan-y-Crug, said his eyes are firmly on the gold for the sporting event, started by Prince Harry, for ex-military who have been discharged on medical grounds.
He said: "The only prize I’m looking at is the gold. In the army you are built to be the best, you’re taught that you’ve lost if you come second. I’m really thankful to be there, but I also really want to the gold."
Steve was told by doctors he would never run or cycle again after developing Sixth Nerve Palsy, epilepsy, sever migraines, and syncope.
Talking about the build up to the games, Steve said: "I’m so nervous, and I want to enjoy it while I’m there, but I also just want to get it started. There are so many feelings, which are good feelings although I am mainly nervous."
He also said his excited children, 15-year-old Jaya and 11-year-old Joshua, have been "like small bottles of pop" during the build up to the games.
Steve received a large send-off from his wife, Claire, and their children with their classmates at Brecon High School before heading to the games in Canada.
During the games, which will be shown by BBC One, Steve is competing in the 1500 Meters Run from the athletics category, and the Time Trial as well as the High Criteria Road Race in the cycling category.
The Invictus Games opening ceremony will be shown on BBC One on Sunday, September 24 at 5.30pm. Steve will be competing on Monday, September 25; Tuesday, September 26 and Wednesday, September 27.
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