beckhams cheer on invictus athletes

Beckhams cheer on Invictus athletes

Australia

Football superstar David Beckham has cheered on athletes at the Invictus Games in Sydney.

Attending the athletics finals on Friday night, the Invictus Games ambassador was joined by two of his children – sons Romeo, 16, and Cruz, 13.

Wife Victoria and daughter Harper, 7, are also in Sydney but didn’t attend.

Beckham awarded medals to the women’s IT4 discus winners – including Aussies Brigid Baker and Vanessa Broughill, who earned gold and silver respectively.

“I was in disbelief,” Baker told ABC TV of her encounter with the football star.

“How awesome.”

Baker was six metres clear of Broughill, with a 34.59 metre throw that brought her coach to tears.

Earlier in the evening Beckham visited Invictus Game House – a lounge area for competitors and their families – as well as the Olympic Park hotel where the team from the United Kingdom are staying.

The former Manchester United star signed autographs and posed for photos with athletes, including the UK’s Mark Ormrod.

“It’s been a long week and I’m feeling tired and beat up and still have one event to go but just had an awesome morale visit off this gent … and now I’m feeling good to go,” Ormrod captioned a photo of himself with Beckham on Instagram.

“Thank you for shining a light on the games and helping to raise the profile around the world.”

The former Royal Marine went on to earn bronze in the men’s IF6 shot put, his seventh medal of the games.

The triple amputee has become a fan favourite during the games – particularly after claimed gold in the 50-metre breaststroke just 45 minutes after learning the swimming style.

Meanwhile, Beckham said he was honoured to be involved in the sporting event, which celebrates wounded, injured and ill veteran and active service personnel from 18 nations.

“I want to inspire my kids every day … (and) when they see guys like this that have been on the frontline, that have been through such difficult situations … that’s special,” he told ABC.

Beckham became involved with the games through his friendship with its founder, Prince Harry.

“I’ve obviously always been a supporter of the armed forces, I’ve always been a supporter of Harry and William, of the royal family,” he said.

“My grandma was the biggest royalist – to be involved with anything that they do is incredible.”

The athletics event was Beckham’s first appearance at the games, which Prince Harry opened on Saturday.

The Beckham family arrived in Sydney at the weekend and have been sharing their holiday on social media.