IT was the landmark international sporting event which cast the spotlight on the immense resilience and passion of the Britain’s armed forces personnel.

The sight of hundreds of servicemen and women passionately competing for their countries while bearing the scars and legacy of horrific injuries swelled pride in the stoniest of hearts.

More than 400 competitors from 13 nations demonstrated their incredible resilience when they competed in the inaugural Invictus Games.

Today one Southampton serviceman is still revelling in how the historic event has changed his life for the better.

Ben Wagon was so inspired by the Games and by meeting its architect Prince Harry that the Royal Navy aviation engineer was this week already back on the running track in preparation for next year’s competition.

Invictus – which means “unconquered” - reignited some of the London 2012 Paralympic Games magic by focusing on the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and raise awareness of wounded, injured and military personnel.

It was feared that Ben, from Thornhill, Southampton, would never walk again after he was left fighting for life after a horrific car crash which killed his girlfriend Justine Emblin-Butler.

Doctors thought he would never awake from his coma let alone overcome serious head injuries suffered in the collision.

Daily Echo:

Ben Wagon has also competed in the London Marathon

Now three years on, the 26-year-old, has once again defied the odds standing proud to represent his country in the Games.

Ben competed in the 400m and 1,500m events at the contest held over four days at the Queen Elizabeth Olympics Park and Lee Valley Athletics Centre in London.

What is more remarkable as he only had four weeks to train for the middle-distance events and qualified for the 1,500m final finishing 11th overall.

Ben hailed it as an “overwhelming” experience and said: “It’s an incredible atmosphere when you hear the crowds cheering in the stadium it really gives you that extra boost to give your all.

“Everyone competing had suffered for from some terrible injuries, but being part of the armed forces installs the attitude that no matter how bad things get you try to crack on with what’s happened.

“If you lose a leg or if you’ve been in a crash it’s the same attitude.”

Ben paid tribute to those who have aided his recovery since the crash in October 2011, including Plymouth Naval Services Rehabilitation Centre, led by Hasler Company and those at Headley Court Military Hospital and Help for Heroes – who he raised £1,100 for after completing this year’s London Marathon.

Daily Echo:

Ben shortly after the car crash

He also paid tribute to Prince Harry, who served as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan in 2007-8, and had drawn inspiration for the Warrior Games held last year in Colorado, USA.

He met him several times during the Games as Harry and brother Prince William thanked competitors and ensured they were having a good time.

He added: “He’s phenomenal and inspiring the way he’s put this together for us. But at the same time he is one of the lads. It’s really had a big impact on the country.

“After the opening ceremony I got the train back in my training kit and there were three older ladies who were welling up when they heard we were competing.

“I’m very proud, but at the same time it’s so humbling.”

Meanwhile former Hampshire soldier Dave Henson captained the British team and enjoyed the closing ceremony by toasting the event with Prince Harry to celebrate their joint 30th birthdays with a beer.

Mr Henson, a former Royal Engineers Captain from Southampton, who had both his legs blown off by a roadside bomb in 2011, and now competed in the sitting volleyball and 100m and 200m events, said: “He knows what these guys are going through from a military point of view.”