Invictus Games athlete asks Prince Harry to give her medal to the hospital that saved her life

The moment a champion swimmer and US Army medic asked Prince Harry to give her gold medal to the London hospital that saved her life has rated among the young royal's Invictus Games highlights. 

Prince Harry presented Army Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Marks with four gold medals for swimming at the 2016 Invictus Games in Florida last week, which is an international event aimed at inspiring and motivating wounded military personnel.

Sgt Marks insisted the royal keep one and present it to the Papworth Hospital in London, which had helped save her life after she went into respiratory failure before the 2014 games.

She severely injured her hips in 2010 while serving as a medical assistant, and hopes to achieve her next goal of competing in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Sgt Marks told the US Department of Defense that she swims to recognise the efforts of her fellow service members.

"There’s not a second I get into that pool or under the block that you guys aren’t on my mind," she said.

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"Every time I swim, it’s quite painful, but the pain is nothing compared to the sacrifice that my brothers and sisters make every day, so it’s my way to carry them with me.

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"You guys push me and drive me and make me believe in what I'm doing.

"It's not for a medal or a time. It’s for a lot more than that."

Prince Harry's other favourite moments from the four-day event included the opening ceremony, marches and heartwarming moments between athletes.

READ MORE: Prince Harry, James Blunt and Michelle Obama take to the stage for Invictus Games opening ceremony

Prince Harry founded the Games and serves as its ambassador.