Vikrant Gurung

A former Rifleman based in Surrey, Vikrant had to have his leg amputated above the right knee after he was injured during service in Afghanistan.

During his recovery process, the 40-year-old became involved with Track Sports and has since taken part in various Athletics events. He is now turning his attention to Powerlifting and hopes to make the GB team in the future.

He has long come to terms with his physical injuries but now faces battles with his mental health. After attending the Invictus training camps, he realised how much he missed the camaraderie of being in the Army. 

“I really missed being with a team but soon I got involved with Invictus and was selected to represent Team UK in Sitting Volleyball. It gave me the confidence to go and join my local team and play in tournaments which I never thought I would be able to do.”

Vikrant, like many others, found the last two years particularly difficult and struggled with his mental health in the first few months of lockdown. He found virtual meetings and training sessions helped.

“Just to be able to see people and be able to communicate with them.

“Competing for my country is something that I never thought I would do after my amputation. The thought of doing so gives me a huge boost.

“It has really helped me come out of my shell and has given me so much confidence and self-belief. Not only is this helping me but it also impacts on my home life as I am much happier therefore my wife and children are happier.”