First GB gold as Yorkshire athletes aim high

Former soldier Alex Tate, who lost his left leg when he was blown up in Afghanistan in 2012, described competing as the “best rehabilitation any soldier could have”. The victory was a double celebration for the British forces team as the 100 metres winner was closely followed across the finish by teammate Kushal Limbu, a former Gurkha rifleman.

Mr Tate, 24, of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, said that he had to “pretty much throw” himself over the line due to a hamstring injury.

Two Yorkshire veterans will both compete for medal glory in the archery today.

Mikey Hall, 39, of Richmond, and David Hubber, of Ripon, will both compete individually in semi-finals before going for gold in team events.

Sunday will see the action turn to the pool where competitors include David Wiseman, of Tadcaster, who was seriously injured in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2009, and Rob Cromey-Hawke, 30, of Cowling, near Skipton, who was injured during a tour of Afghanistan in 2012.

Yesterday competition paused while athletes stopped to remember the fallen and the victims of 9/11.

Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge, minus wife Kate, who is still suffering from acute morning sickness, sat with spectators in the athletics stadium during a service led by chaplains of the three armed services.