There was a pleasant surprise for the medalists in the Women’s Lightweight IP1 powerlifting event at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
Coco Fuzion 100, one of the official supporters of the Games, gave the families of the medalists the opportunity to present the medals after the event.
Peter Kasparis, brother of Abbie Kasparis who took the bronze medal for the UK said, “It made me feel so proud. This is the highlight of my week so far, no doubt.”
Abbie had been looking for Peter in the crowd but couldn’t see him.
“I knew he must be in here somewhere and that he wouldn’t miss it, but it was totally unexpected for him to give me my medal,” said a smiling Abbie.
Sarah Sliwka of Australia, who claimed gold in the event after a silver in Toronto, knew her husband, Bryce, was in the venue but wasn’t expecting to see him until after the ceremony.
“Seeing Bryce was different. I knew of him being here, he’d be my level head. I couldn’t do it all without him.”
“That was their moment,” said Bryce.
But it was amazing for us to be able to share in it. We’ve shared in their journey but to also share in that medal ceremony was a huge honour.
Family and friends of the competitors from each of the countries are also enjoying the Invictus Games experience.
“We’ve been really well looked after and it’s so inspirational seeing all the competitors get out and just have a go. It’s not about winning a medal, it’s about having a go,” said Bryce.
“The week has been so inspirational for me and hugely emotional. When you see all the competitors in action, it’s an incredible sight,” said an emotional Peter Kasparis.
This was the first event for Abbie, but Sarah is looking forward to Wednesday night’s swimming finals.
“I’m in the 50m freestyle final with three other Aussie girls and that’ll be a lot of fun,” said a smiling Sarah.
“I never expected to win a medal and when my coach said I’d got bronze, I literally thought he was messing around,” explained Abbie.
She is looking forward to building on this experience of the Invictus Games, saying “it has helped my confidence a lot and proved that I can do so many things. It’s been an amazing week.”
Ian Mountford
Invictus Games Sydney 2018