Americans capture gold, silver, bronze at Day 1 of Invictus Games competition

Handcyclists sweep men's medal round

Inspiring recovery, supporting rehabilitation and demonstrating life beyond disability.

Ryan Pinney and Howie Sanborn personifying the unconquerable spirit of Invictus.

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"I'm just so excited to represent our country once again," said Ryan Pinney, handcycling gold medalist.

"We can't thank Prince Harry enough for starting an international competition of wounded warriors like this," said Howie Sanborn, handcycling silver medalist.  "That being said, we're still going to kick the Brits' butts."

Pinney, an Air Force veteran from Phoenix and Sanborn, an Army ranger from Denver, finished first and second in Monday's handcycling finals.

The heroes are now gold and silver medalists.

"Unbelievable, it's hard to put into words because the Invictus Games has brought us a new way to represent our country, a new way to wear a uniform," said Pinney.

And a new way to inspire thousands, including the people they love.

Pinney's wife Meagan embraced her husband following the medal presentation.

"It's hard to put into words and it gets me emotional," said Pinney's wife, Meagan, holding back tears.  "We were in the Invictus Games two years ago and he didn't medal. And he just won the gold today and it's so amazing."

"It might be a different uniform, but now it brings us a different goal, a different mission that we are set to accomplish," said Pinney.

Other Invictus Games events Monday at ESPN's Wide World of Sports included powerlifting, indoor rowing and archery.


About the Author:

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.