Prince Harry has shared a message of support for British athlete Scott Meenagh as the Winter Paralympics get underway in Milan.
Meenagh, 36, who previously competed in the first three editions of the Invictus Games founded by Prince Harry, is taking part in cross-country skiing and biathlon events at the Winter Games.
In a video message shared on Instagram on Saturday, March 7, the Duke of Sussex praised the athlete and congratulated him for representing Great Britain.
“I just want to say a huge congratulations. You’re carrying our flag … wow … wow — that is huge,” Harry said in the message. “Huge, huge respect, mate, congrats. I hope you’re really happy. I hope you can feel proud of where you’ve got to.”
The royal also encouraged Meenagh to enjoy the competition and aim for new personal achievements.
“And now, all you need to do is smash the PBs, get a medal if you want — and most importantly, have fun,” he added.
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Prince Harry also reflected on Meenagh’s sporting journey, recalling a memorable moment during the 2017 Invictus Games when the athlete finished a race despite his running blade breaking.
“Your running blade broke and you carried on, didn’t let it stop you. You finished the race, you crossed the finish line,” Harry said. “That was such a true example of your spirit and your determination.”
He praised Meenagh’s resilience during his recovery and sporting career, adding that the athlete continues to inspire others.
“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,” he said.
Harry’s message came after Meenagh appeared as one of Great Britain’s flagbearers alongside alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick at the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics on Friday.
Meenagh’s path to elite sport began after a life-changing injury during military service. At the age of 21, the former rugby player lost both legs after stepping on an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan.
Following his recovery, he joined the Paralympic Inspiration Programme, where he was introduced to Para Nordic skiing.
In 2014, Meenagh competed at the first Invictus Games in para rowing, winning two silver medals. Two years later, he made his international debut for Great Britain at a World Cup event in Finland.
At the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, Meenagh finished sixth in the 12.5km individual biathlon race.
The athlete has announced that the current Paralympics will be his third and final appearance, as he plans to step away from professional sport to focus on family life.
“My two kids are my number one supporters, but they’re at a really crucial stage in their life where … I want to be the dad that’s there, supporting them and putting their priorities at the front,” he said, referring to his four-year-old daughter Bryn and two-year-old son James.
“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,” Meenagh added. “I want to show them that dreams are worth chasing, no matter how big they are.”
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