U.S. Air Force Captain Christy Wise lost her right leg in a boating accident in 2015. Since then, she’s scuba-dived, completed two triathlons and climbed a mountain. And 14 months after her injury, she returned to active duty flying a C-130 military aircraft.
Wise is one of 550 wounded servicewomen and men from 17 nations who will compete later this month in the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto.
First lady Melania Trump will lead the U.S. delegation in support of the 90 American athletes scheduled to participate.
The Invictus Games were founded in 2014 by Prince Henry of Wales to “inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.”
The games comprise 12 sports including rugby, volleyball and weightlifting that are modified to accommodate competitors with disabilities.
“I was heartened by the great success of the inaugural Invictus Games that took place in London in 2014, and the second games in Orlando, Florida, last year,” Mrs. Trump said.
“In just two short years, the Invictus Games have allowed thousands of injured and wounded servicemen and women from many different countries to participate in adaptive sports competitions — something that should be lauded and supported worldwide. I am honored by the opportunity to represent our country at this year’s games.”
The Invictus Games take place September 23 to 30.