Olympic champion Ian Thorpe has been named an ambassador for the second Invictus Games for war-injured servicemen and women.
The five-time gold medal winner was poolside for a pep talk with members of the Australian Invictus team ahead of the opening ceremony for the Games, which have been promoted by US President Barack Obama along with the Queen and Prince Harry.
Australian swimmer and double amputee Curtis McGrath, who lost his legs as the result of an improvised explosive device attack in Afghanistan, said his fellow team members were excited to meet Thorpe, and receive some technical and psychological tips.
"Ian is an Olympic champion and to have him and the other ambassadors here on the eve of competition is a great inspiration," said McGrath, who will also represent Australia at the Rio 2016 Paralympics as a canoeist.
"Ian's presence here as part of the Invictus Games will also help to highlight our recovery and how far we have come."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Thorpe said the Invictus athletes were already heroes because of the sacrifices they had made for their country, and the dedication they now showed in participating in sport and inspiring other people.
He said he believed strongly in providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds and abilities to participate in sport.
"It's a pleasure to be here for the Invictus Games and to support this event and the attention the Games is receiving from nations all around the world," he said.
US first lady Michelle Obama attended the opening ceremony for the more than 500 competitors from 15 nations.
The Invictus Games were staged for the first time in London in 2014 under the patronage of Prince Harry.
