Invictus Games success has only just begun
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 might not have started yet, but Adelaide’s Sean Grimmond is already hailing the event a personal success.
CAPTION: Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia competitor Sean Grimmond. Story by Flying Officer Tina Langridge. Photos by Flight Sergeant Christopher Dickson.
The former avionics technician and airborne electronics analyst with the Royal Australian Air Force has seen steady improvements in his physical and mental health since he embarked on his Invictus journey and that, to him, is what this experience is all about.
“My opinion of what success looks like has changed a lot, and I think it’s going to continue to change as time goes on,” he said.
“I feel like I’ve been successful already because my life’s changed for the better just with the amount of training I’ve been doing and going to the camps.
“I’m really happy with the effort I’ve been putting in and seeing the improvements that have taken place – and it’s not over yet.”
After physical and mental health issues unexpectedly cut short his 17-year military career in 2023, Sean, a keen sportsman at 36, recommitted to using sport and rehabilitation to help his recovery.
He credits the Invictus Pathways program through the University of South Australia and the exercise physiologist he sees three times a week with helping him develop the focus to keep on track.
With a busy schedule that will involve him lining up for wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, skeleton and indoor rowing events in Canada, this determination is vital to carry him though the 11 training sessions he undertakes each week, and his goal to implement positive, long-lasting changes in his life.
He was also inspired by an Invictus Games alum, who shared how her involvement with the initiative positively impacted her life.
“I’m going to make the most of this experience and get as much out of it as I can by becoming more engaged in sport and community,” said Sean, who is looking forward to attending the Futsal Nationals as a referee coach after an almost 10-year absence.
“If, 12 months from now, I look back and see that I’m still continuing with sport and really enjoying it, I know I will have achieved my goal.”
Success for Sean also means supporting his teammates as they strive towards their own personal goals.
“Being part of the Invictus movement is not just about being a part of a team. It’s about a broader community of people all helping to lift each other up,” said Sean, who will have his partner, Helina, cheering him on from the stands as he represents his country.
“We [Team Australia] have varied life experiences but, at the same time, we’re all so similar. Regardless of what injuries or illnesses each of us has, it does not define us. We have our own personalities and hopes and aspirations.
“Sure, it’s a competition and someone’s got to win – and I’m going to be working as hard as I can to try and make sure it’s our team that wins these games – but that’s not ultimately what this is all about.
“If I can encourage others to have a go and experience the benefit of sport the way former competitors encouraged me, that is a win.”
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will bring together more than 500 serving and former-serving wounded, injured and ill military members from 24 nations to compete in alpine skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, Nordic skiing, skeleton, wheelchair curling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
The ADF is partnering with Invictus Australia to support the Australian team’s participation in the event.
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