Navy wounded warrior athletes from the U.S. team took home their first gold medals during track and field competitions at the Invictus Games May 10, in Orlando, Florida.

The Invictus Games is a Paralympic-style, multinational event with more than 500 military competitors from 14 nations competing in 10 sporting events.

Retired Navy Lt. Steve Simmons was the first Navy athlete on the U.S. team to earn a gold medal. During the 1,500-meter cycle race, Simmons competed against one other athlete, Australian Mark Urquhart.

"We knew there was only going to be one medal and we talked about just crossing the line together and letting it fall however it was going to fall," said Simmons. "He had already won a gold medal and as we neared the final stretch, he looked at me and said, 'Take it.'"

The U.S. team also had a strong representation during the field competition. Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jaime Garza won gold in the discus throw against two other U.S. athletes.

"Invictus has been an incredible experience so far," said Garza. "Meeting the whole team and new people from other countries has been amazing."

Tuesday's sporting events ended on a high note as the U.S. team defeated the United Kingdom in the gold medal match for sitting volleyball. The U.S. team included retired Navy Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Apprentice Steven Davis, retired Navy Airman Brett Parks and retired Navy Chief Yeoman Javier D. Rodriguez Santiago.

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit http://www.navy.mil.