Triumphant Invictus Games athletes arrive home

Australia’s Invictus Games team has arrived home thrilled with their personal results and the 51 medal haul from this year’s games.
 
All of the hard work over the past months has paid off for Australia’s 43 wounded warriors whose grit and determination throughout the Invictus Games was inspirational.
 
The international adaptive sports competition, an initiative of HRH Prince Harry, brought together over 550 serving and former serving military personnel from 17 nations, who have been wounded, injured or become ill in service.
 
The athletes competed from 23 to 30 September across 11 disciplines with the highlights including new personal bests set in many of the events and the all Australian podium for the 50 metre women’s freestyle.  
 
Lance Corporal Samantha Gould was ecstatic with her discus results and having her parents there to cheer her on and share the highlights with her is something she will never forget. 
 
"I had a fantastic time, it exceeded my expectations. The Games have helped so much in assisting with my recovery,” Lance Corporal Gould said. 
 
“Doing a personal best in the discus was one of the highlights for me. It showed that all my hard work has paid off.
 
“I think because of the games I will have increased motivation to continue my training and maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.”
 
Petty Officer Ian McCracken raced better than he could have hoped for, achieving personal bests in every one of his events.
 
“My health is the best it has been in a long time, I feel great,” Petty Officer McCracken said. 
 
“I am so grateful to have been given this experience and have been able to meet so many other amazing people who have also been wounded, injured or become ill during their service.”
 
Petty Officer McCracken said he would recommend the Invictus Games to anyone who wants to use sport as a vehicle to support their rehabilitation. 
 
Now that the sun has set on the 2017 games in Toronto, all eyes will turn to Sydney for the 2018 iteration of the Invictus Games.
 
Expressions of interest are currently for being sought for athletes and coaching staff for the 2018 Invictus Games. More information can be found online at http://www.defence.gov.au/Events/InvictusGames/2018.asp. Nominations close on 31 October 2017.
 
 
Media contacts:
Defence Media (02) 6127 1999, media@defence.gov.au