Stories
Swimming has become a favourite sport for Team Australia at international events like the Invictus Games, and for good reason.
The sport is highly adaptable, supports a wide range of physical abilities, and allows competitors to train and compete at their own pace. For many in the defence community, swimming provides a low-impact way to rebuild confidence, improve strength and focus on personal progress while still being part of a team environment.
That same approach underpins Team Veteran Masters Swimming Club, created by Invictus Australia as a virtual way to help veterans and their families stay active and connected at home. Members can train locally, take part in competitions, including national events, and remain part of the Team Veteran community.
More information and how to join at the link in bio.
After partnering last year, we’re proud to be walking alongside @themanwalk again across January and February.
The Man Walk is all about showing up, moving, talking and staying connected while creating safe, welcoming spaces for men to connect through simple, no-pressure walks.
Invictus Australia representatives will be at the following walks, and we’d love you to join us. These walks are open to male veterans and male family members aged 18+, with exclusive Invictus Australia challenge coins available for veterans who attend.
Upcoming walks we’ll be at:
🌕 Wollongong, NSW – 5.45am, Friday 16 January
⚫ Maroubra, NSW – 7.00am, Friday 16 January
🌕 Tuggeranong, ACT – 6.30am, Wednesday 21 January
⚫ Maitland, NSW – 6.00am, Tuesday 20 January
🌕Brisbane, QLD – 6.30am, Friday 23 January
⚫Port Noarlunga, SA – 8.00am, Saturday 7 February
🌕Huskisson, NSW – 7.00am, Thursday 26 February
ALUMNI IN ACTION | For Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 competitor Karl Woodward, community sport has reshaped life after service, helping him rebuild confidence, connection and purpose.
Karl’s path to Invictus began during a difficult period marked by injury, mental health struggles and life changes. But competing in Germany changed his trajectory. As he puts it: “The Invictus Games experience ignited a passion and inspired me to reconnect with the sports I once loved and competed in as a youngster on the Central Coast.”
Since then, he’s thrown himself into community surf lifesaving, indoor rowing and masters swimming. With support from his clubs across the NSW Mid North Coast and Central Coast regions, Karl has steadily built momentum, culminating in fulfilling a lifelong dream in 2025, winning an Australian Lifesaving Gold Medal at the Australian SLS Pool Rescue Championships.
Today, he’s an active member of the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club, volunteering as a lifesaver and competing alongside a community that has embraced him and supported his transition beyond uniform.
Karl says he remains grateful for the people who walked with him through his recovery, adding: “I would encourage any veteran to have a crack and get involved with the Invictus Australian community.”
Join your local Invictus Australia Facebook group to get involved in community sport beyond the Games.