Around 400 athletes from 14 nations are competing in the inaugural Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel, championed by Prince Harry and supported by the Ministry of Defence and The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Competition got underway today with all the action from the athletics.

Townsend was the pick of the bunch in terms of medal output as he displayed the underlining values of the Games to claim an incredible four gold medals across the opening day.

The Royal Marines Commando lost both legs serving in Afghanistan in 2008 but has since bounced back to become part of UK Sport Lottery Funded British Para-triathlon squad, finishing fourth at the World Championships in Edmonton less than two weeks ago, while also picking up bronze at the European Championships earlier in the summer.

The 26-year-old has his sights set on Rio 2016 where triathlon is set to make its Paralympic debut.

Following his four gold medals in the IT4 100 metres, 200m, 400m and 1500m, the Briton tweeted: "Thank you so much for all your messages of support.

"Overwhelmed with how great today has been, thank you."

Joe Townsend won four gold medals on the opening day of the Invictus Games
©Getty Images



The 131-strong British team enjoyed huge support and success at the London-based Games, idea based on the successful Warrior Games in the United States. 

Alex Tate picked up the first gold of the day after securing victory ahead of compatriot Kushal Limbu in the men's 100m ambulant IT1.

Tate had the lower part of his left leg blown off while on tour in Afghanistan in 2012 and believes the Invictus Games are a "very big deal" for wounded, injured and sick service personnel.

"It's a very big deal," he said.

"When I first got injured was around the time the Paralympics were going on.

"I thought I'd want to give it a go but I never saw myself competing in something like this within two years.

"I thought it'd be a longer road than this, so it's incredible."

Silver-medallist Limbu served with the 2nd Gurkha Rifles for 11 years and was a competitor in the Warrior Games, winning gold in 100m and 200m.

The Games are not just about medals, of course, with the event also spotlighting the sacrifices these men and women made serving their country, and their indefatigable drive to overcome.

Canada's Stephan Moreau, who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder after witnessing an accident on a ship in 2004, claimed that the Games were an "unbelievable" experience.

He added: "From day one when we arrived at the airport we had people coming to us and introducing themselves to us, and helping us.

"I have a different highlight every five minutes.

"I just went to the bathroom and as I went to the door both Prince William and Prince Harry were there.

"I was shocked that they were using the same bathroom as everybody else.

"It's awesome, I loved it!

"I was like they were normal people, just like me.

"We had a talk, and we took a photo once we were outside.

"We've been amazed by how well organised it is and how nice people are as well - it's a totally different level to what we expected."

The Games are due continue until Sunday (September 14) with action still to come in the archery, wheelchair basketball, road cycling, powerlifting, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, swimming and sitting volleyball.

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