James Cairns didn’t just aim for victory at the Invictus Games, he had something even more life-changing in mind. The 35-year-old Army veteran from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, stunned the crowd in Vancouver with a moment that rivalled any gold medal win. As Team UK’s wheelchair basketball match kicked off on Sunday, he took a deep breath, dropped to one knee, and proposed to his girlfriend of four years, Hannah Wild.
Her answer? A resounding “yes” a victory in its own right.
The Royal British Legion confirmed the touching proposal, which unfolded in front of thousands, including Mr Cairns’ teammates, friends, and most importantly, the couple’s two-year-old son.
“It took months of planning,” admitted Mr Cairns, who lost his leg to a sniper bullet while serving in Afghanistan. Keeping the secret wasn’t easy, especially while training for multiple events, including the biathlon, swimming, and wheelchair basketball. But for a moment this monumental, the effort was worth it.
A Celebration of Resilience
The Invictus Games, founded in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex, are more than just a competition. They’re a testament to resilience, recovery, and the unbreakable spirit of those who have served. This year’s edition, the seventh since its inception, kicked off in Vancouver with a dazzling opening ceremony featuring global stars like Nelly Furtado, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and Katy Perry.
With over 500 athletes from 23 nations taking part, the games continue their mission to inspire rehabilitation and foster respect for veterans worldwide. The competition runs until 16 February, showcasing the power of sport to transform lives.
Since their debut in London in 2014, the Invictus Games have travelled across the globe, with host cities including Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague, and Düsseldorf. Now, in Vancouver, they’ve become the setting for a personal triumph that James Cairns and Hannah Wild will never forget.
Because while medals are precious, some victories, like love, are simply priceless.
