Athlete veterans have received one of the nation’s highest sporting honours in a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Last year, 2GB Drive presenter Jim Wilson was horrified to learn the Australian Sports Medals promised to the 2018 Invictus Games participants still hadn’t been awarded.

After a long campaign to have their efforts recognised, the medals have been untangled from the red tape and bestowed upon the recipients.

Australian team co-captain and former sergeant Peter Rudland joined Jim in the Canberra studio, reflecting on the vindication.

“The smile hasn’t gone away.

“I’ve got a couple of other medals from various operations and stuff, but today’s I think is the most satisfying.”

Major Brigid Baker was medically discharged from while serving in Afghanistan, and shared with Jim how sport helped her regain the sense of identity she lost when she was sent home.

“I’ve been afforded an opportunity to promote what it is to be a veteran, and how it is that we are viewed upon in this day and age.

“We’ve all gone through a similar shared experience, and to be there this morning in such a hallowed place, it was almost as though everyone was watching down on us.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

The medal campaign reached across the political aisle, with Minister Marise Payne and former Labor leader Bill Shorten alike getting involved.

Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles told Jim the 2018 Games were “a remarkable event”.

“Do you remember the wheelchair tennis? It was just unbelievable!”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview