Sports Report

Dave Henson is a British athlete who represented Britain at the Invictus Games, World and European Championships, as well as the Summer Paralympics in 2016. He won bronze in the 200m at the Summer Paralympics. Dave has a PhD and is a proud recipient of an MBE. He was the UK team captain for the inaugural Invictus Games. Dave lost both his legs after stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device whilst on detachment from the 22 Engineer Regiment to the Counter IED Task Force in Helmand, Afghanistan.

1. What is your greatest sporting achievement?

My biggest sporting achievement is winning a bronze medal for Great Britain at the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016.

2. What are the good things about a disability?

I don't think disability is necessarily good, but as a result of becoming disabled I've learnt so much more about myself and pushed myself harder than I ever had before.

3. Who was the person that got you to where you are now?

My military friends that I made during my rehabilitation are constantly inspiring me to go further and push myself harder than I ever had before.

4. What is your favourite sporting memory?

My favourite sporting achievement was winning a gold medal at the very first Invictus games in London in 2014 as all my friends and family were there, and I was in a team with so many of my friends and biggest Inspirations.

5. Who were your sporting heroes?

I always admired David Beckham as I was growing up because he worked so hard for his passion, but as I've entered sport myself, it is my military friends in sports I really look up to - Scott Meenagh (GB para-Nordic skiing), Micky Yule (GB weightlifting), Nick Beighton (GB canoeing), Joe Townsend (GB para-triathlon), but there are so many more of these incredible people that sit just outside of mainstream sport.

6. How do you think society could be more accepting of disability sports?

I think the overall level of acceptance is good in the UK, but more widespread coverage of grass-root and national level disability competition would really help to build the profile.

What an interesting story Dave. It's great to see what you did after your recovery and learn about the people who helped and inspired you throughout your life.

There we go, the second of four interviews that tie in together as super people. Watch for the third in the next edition of the Hillam News.