Laurentiu Serban, a Romanian soldier wounded during a mission in Afghanistan in 2006, won the first medal for Romania at the Invictus Games 2017.

He won the bronze medal in the athletics competition, the Men’s 1500m Final, on Monday, September 25. He completed the race in 5:47.71 minutes.

British Bruce Ekman got the gold with a time of 5:25.91 minutes while American Ben Seekell won the silver medal with a time of 5:26.43.

Laurentiu Serban was seriously injured during a mission in Afghanistan in 2006. He lost a leg trying to save other soldiers attacked during a patrol mission.

The 2017 Invictus Games are currently taking place in Toronto, Canada, and will end on September 30. The Invictus Foundation, under the patronage of Britain’s Prince Harry, organizes the event. It aims to increase public awareness about wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, and encourage and support their physical recovery and rehabilitation through sports.

Fifteen wounded soldiers represent Romania at this year’s edition of Invictus Games.

Irina Marica, irina.marica@romania-insider.com

(photo source: MApN - Nicușor Comănescu)