Two Australian ex-defence force personnel have been awarded the first gold medals of the inaugural Invictus Games by Prince Harry.

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM, made up of former Combat Engineer, Matthew Taxis and Sarah Archibald, who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder competed against former defence force personnel from 11 nations in the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, which covered two stages designed to test the competitors’ driving and navigation skills.

Teams, made up of a driver and navigator, completed an all-terrain stage in a Land Rover Discovery and a tarmac track stage in a Jaguar F-TYPE, with a series of gates required to be correctly negotiated in order.

“It’s fantastic to receive the first gold medals of the Invictus Games. I hope I’m also in with a shout in the Archery, but it’s just great to be here and be part of an incredible event with people from all over the world,” said Matthew Taxis.

“Orientating the course was very difficult, and we needed to communicate really well. Hopefully this victory will spur us on and give the team a boost ahead of the next few days of competition.

“Being presented with my gold medal from Prince Harry was something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Sarah Archibald added.

Mark Cameron, Global Brand Experience Director of Jaguar Land Rover said: “Everyone at Jaguar Land Rover would like to congratulate Australia on being awarded the first gold medals of the Invictus Games, and to all the medallists and competitors who took part.

“We were honoured to host this event as part of the Invictus Games and welcome His Royal Highness to Gaydon. We are now looking forward to the Opening Ceremony tomorrow and an inspiring four days of competition in London.”

The Invictus Games is being organised with the support and backing of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and the Ministry of Defence. It will see more than 400 wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women, from 13 nations, competing at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, thanks to the Mayor of London, the London Legacy Development Corporation and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.