The Winter Paralympics are about to kick off in Milano Cortina, and Team GB’s flagbearers at the opening ceremony will be Scott Meenagh and Menna Fitzpatrick.
Ahead of the ceremony, Channel 4 showed Scott a personal message from his close friend, Prince Harry. In the video message, the Duke of Sussex appeared emotional as he praised the former Invictus Games captain, who will be competing in events like cross-country skiing and biathlon.
As Scott saw the message, he joked: “There’s a familiar face,” before Harry said: “Alright big lad. Alright, Scotty mate. H here. Just want to say a huge congratulations. You’re carrying our flag. Wow. Wow, that is huge!
“Huge, huge respect mate. Congrats. I hope you’re really happy. I hope you can feel proud of where you’ve got to, and now all you need to do is smash the PBs. Get a medal if you want, and most importantly, have fun.”
Harry continued: “Just thinking back to 2014, that first Invictus Games, and I think one or two others since then, in 2017, a standout moment for me was your running blade broke and you carried on, and you didn’t let that stop you. You finished the race, you crossed the finish line. I think you even finished second place.
“That was such a true example of your spirit and your determination. Throughout your recovery process, you have never faltered. You have pushed through on every single element, and look at where you are now. Well done you.”
The Invictus Games founder concluded: “You’re a fantastic example to everybody. So yeah, go out there, show people what you’re made of and know that every single time you go out there and do what you do, you’re inspiring so many other people. So thank you for being you. Cheers mate.”
Fans loved Harry’s sweet message, and one noticed how emotional the father-of-two was in the message. “Is Prince Harry getting a bit emotional? Aww such a sweetheart,” they said.
© Getty ImagesA second added: “Good luck Scott!!! You can do it. Such an inspiration. And love your message from you pal H!!! Brilliant,” while a third posted: “Wow, look at you @smeenagh89. What a great message and true words. Best of luck.”
Scott’s previous career
Scott was previously with the British Army Parachute Regiment, however, in 2011, he lost both of his legs after stepping on an IED in Helmand Province. After rehabilitation in Headley Court, Scott turned his mind to sport.
The star captained the British team at the first Invictus Games, which were held in 2014, with the sportsman competing in rowing.
© Getty ImagesIn 2018, he made history as the first Briton to compete in the Nordic skiing for 20 years, although 13th was the highest position he achieved in the four events he competed in. The 36-year-old competed again in 2022 and made history as part of the first British team to complete the 4 × 2.5km relay event at the Paralympic Games.
Harry and Scott previously met back in 2016 to speak to a group of schoolchildren ahead of Sky’s The Game Changers Invictus Special.
© Getty ImagesWhen asked by Sky News why he had decided to get involved, Harry said: “The beauty of it, though it’s a massive risk from our point of view, is kids will ask whatever they want to ask, they have no inhibitions. They have no problem with going up to someone and saying, ‘you’ve got no legs, why?'”
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