So obviously, quite a bit happened in those 5 years in between. But let’s actually back up a little from 2007. Derek Derenalagi joined the British Army in 1999. He fought for about 8 years until, in 2007, his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
He was almost immediately pronounced dead, but while preparing his body bag, medical staff found that he still had a pulse.
He remained in a coma for 9 days before waking up in Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham. As a result of his injury, both his legs had to be amputated. After the incident, he decided to take part in the Ministry of Defense’s “Battle Back” program.
This program is dedicated to physically and emotionally rehabilitating wounded soldiers through atheletics. He eventually mastered the art of discus throwing and went on the compete in the 2012 Paralympics.