Former AF takes silver in powerlifting

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tiffany Lundberg | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Olds competes in powerlifting during the Invivtus Games at the Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, England, Sept. 14, 2014. Powerlifting is one of several sports over 300 wounded warriors from 13 nations might get to compete in including archery, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, road cycling, indoor rowing, athletics, swimming and sitting volleyball. The vision for the Invictus Games is to harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. (U.S. photo by Senior Airman Tiffany DeNault/released)  

LONDON, GTL, UNITED KINGDOM

09.15.2014

Courtesy Story

Defense Media Activity - Proper         

LONDON – A retired Air Force staff sergeant took silver in the heavyweight power-lifting category here Sept. 14 in the final day of competition at the first-ever Invictus Games.

Melissa Coduti had her medal up before her final lift even took place, pressing 52KG.

Coduti said despite having the medal in the bag before her last press, her approach did not change.

“There’s always pressure because you still want your third attempt to go up,” she said. “You don’t want to have a failed attempt.

“It’s all technique and it’s all a mind game too. If you stay tight and focused and just focus on the basics and the fundamentals, that weight will go up.”

The retired Airman took first despite only being medically cleared to return to bench-pressing just six weeks ago. She said the competition was only her sixth time on the bench since her clearance.

The elated Coduti said she could not have been happier about her medal and the experience of coming to London for the games.

“Humbling. That’s the best word to use,” she said. “This is an extremely humbling experience. For (Great Britain) to get an entire country to rally behind 14 other countries is impeccable.”

The power-lifting event is an individual contest in which each athlete completes three presses. The competitor and coach select a starting weight, and discuss and select each successive weight depending on how the athlete feels about the previous lift.

The idea for the Invictus Games was generated by Prince Henry of Wales when he traveled to the United States to watch the annual Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Co. While the Warrior Games focuses on inter-service competition, Invictus is an international competition with wounded warriors across 14 nations competing together under their respective flag.

The word ‘Invictus’ means ‘unconquered.’ The games were created to embody the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and sick warriors, and recognize the road to recovery they are on through sporting achievement.

“We fight together, we heal together.” Coduti said. “This has been the experience of a lifetime. I don’t know how you ever top this.”

The Invictus Games feature athletes competing in various Paralympic-style events, including swimming, track and field, seated volleyball, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby, among others.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2014
• Date Posted: 09.15.2014 12:16
• Story ID: 142182
• Location: LONDON, GTL, GB