Prince Harry sends surprise message to Paralympian ahead of Winter Games
Prince Harry has sent a surprise message of support to Paralympian Scott Meenagh, ahead of the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina.
Mr Meenagh, who previously competed at the Duke of Sussex’s Invictus Games, played rugby competitively and represented West of Scotland and Scotland under 18s.
He was injured at the age of 21 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device during his service in Afghanistan.
Mr Meenagh, who now competes in para Nordic skiing, received a video message from the duke.
The Duke of Sussex sent a surprise message to Scott Meenagh | GETTY/INSTAGRAM/C4PARALYMPICSHarry 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 all you need to do now is smash the PBs. Get a medal if you want, and most importantly, have fun.”
The Duke of Sussex reflected on the Invictus Games Mr Meenagh had competed in.
The duke met Mr Meenagh back in 2016
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The duke 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. You didn’t let it 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.”
Harry praised the Paralympian for his ‘spirit’ and ‘determination’
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Harry concluded his message, heaping praise on the Paralympian, describing him as a “fantastic example to everybody”.
He told Mr Meenagh: “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.”
The duke gave a little salute at the end of the video, as Mr Meenagh smiled throughout.
Harry said to Mr Meenagh: ‘You’re a fantastic example to everybody’
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Ahead of the games, the Paralympian shared that he wants to make his four-year-old daughter, Bryn, and two-year-old son, James, proud.
He said: My two kids are my number one supporters, but they’re at a really crucial stage in their lives where I’m ready to be their biggest fan.
“I want to be the dad that’s there, supporting them and putting their priorities at the front because, as an athlete, you have to inherently be quite selfish, and I don’t want my children to suffer as a result of my aspirations.
“I want to spend time being unapologetically ambitious with my goals. I want to show them that dreams are worth chasing, no matter how big they are.”
