Navy officer wins NZ's first medal at Invictus Games

Dan Crawford. Photo / Supplied

Whangarei navy officer Dan Crawford has claimed New Zealand's first medal of the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto.

The 26-year-old lieutenant in the New Zealand Navy claimed bronze in the Men's IT7 1500m. Ukraine's Oleg Zimnikov won the race with Frenchman Ollivier Boutier taking the silver.

Crawford, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, is also competing in indoor rowing and swimming at the Games.

Crawford was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014 after he returned from a three-month tour of duty to Antarctica.

The left side of his body felt numb for six weeks but it faded away. However he has had two relapses since.

The Invictus Games is an international Paralympic-style multi-sport event in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans take part in sports. 550 athletes from 17 countries are competing at the event.