From the sidelines to the spotlight: One mother’s journey to the Invictus Games
When Cindy Chawner tells people she competed at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, she’s often met with disbelief. “They ask, ‘Were you working or were you supporting someone?’”
However, after decades of cheering on her six children in their sporting endeavours, Cindy saw the Invictus Games as her opportunity, not just to reclaim her sense of self through sport, but to prove to herself and others that it’s never too late to push boundaries. The 59-year-old went on to compete for Team Australia in wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, swimming, skeleton and snowboarding and even took home a bronze and silver medal, an incredible achievement.
What began as a challenge to her body and mind evolved into something more meaningful: a deeper connection with her youngest daughter, Mia – an elite snowboarder, and a renewed sense of self.
Embracing the Challenge and the Self-Doubt
In the lead-up to the Games, Cindy threw herself into training, both physically and emotionally. “There was a lot of conflicting emotions and a lot of self-doubt,” she admitted. As she trained, she began to recognise how societal expectations had quietly shaped her own beliefs.
I actually didn’t realise how much the societal views of women and the changing perspectives as we age had impacted my relationship with my own physicality.”
While her decision to compete was carefully considered, the inclusion of winter sports in this edition of the Games held particular appeal for Cindy, due to her family’s deep connection to snow sports.
Discovering Snowboarding Through HER DAUGHTER
As a military family who over the years have faced frequent locations, Cindy was focused on ensuring that stability in schooling was a top priority for her children. That decision brought the family to Jindabyne, NSW—where Cindy’s six children discovered a passion for snowsports through their new, more permanent school. Inspired by her children, Cindy gave it a go too.
While all her children loved being on the slopes, she noticed her youngest daughter Mia had an affinity for snow sports. Mia initially picked up skiing, but her cerebral palsy made snowboarding a better fit. “Mia just thrived. Really, really thrived in the snowboarding environment,” Cindy remembers. “I haven’t been able to keep up with her for a very long time.”
Mia has since gone on to compete internationally, with her mother always close behind. “I followed her all around North America and Europe, always in awe of what she was achieving,” Cindy said. “She’s so resilient—she doesn’t even realise how capable she is.”
Before the Invictus Games, Mia invited Cindy to join her on the slopes while training in the USA. “That, for me, was eye-opening—just seeing how much she absolutely loves what she does,” said Cindy. “It was contagious. You can’t help but be swept along with her excitement in the sport.”
A Bond Forged in Snow
That bond came full circle when Cindy stood at the top of a snowboard course in Canada. Surrounded by cameras and spectators, she suddenly understood the intense pressure Mia had described facing for many years as she took the start line of her races. Cindy explained how this felt for her, “You’re really nervous… and then you’re looking down and there’s all these people… you don’t want to let anyone down. It’s a pressure that I never stopped to consider that Mia faces and has faced since she was quite young.”
The moment deepened Cindy’s appreciation for her daughter’s strength and resilience and the pressures of competing.“ When she was standing there watching me compete, being surrounded by people who have gone through so many incredibly life changing experiences like her just really reinforced how strong and resilient my own girl is.”
That shared experience transformed their relationship. “Having Mia with me at the Games and seeing the pride that she had in me…I can’t even put that feeling into words,” said Cindy. “Within our relationship, it has actually helped us see how strong we can be. It was a special thing to share with her and allowed us to understand each other’s experiences more.”
A Moment for Herself
After years spent supporting others, Cindy’s Invictus Games journey marked a rare moment of self-focus. “I never saw sport becoming part of my life again at this stage in my life,” she said. “I really thought that I was done. That my life was going to be more about just taking a backseat and watching everybody else move forward.”
But that changed on the court, in the pool and on the snow;
Now, I have a whole new lease on life. The Invictus Games gave me a new perspective of what my life can be – and what it should be.”’
The Invictus Games gave Cindy something deeply personal, a renewed sense of purpose, self-belief and a sense of empowerment in her ability to give new things a go, knowing she is capable. The Games also deepened relationship with her daughter, forging a new layer of understanding, shared pride and connection together.
As Cindy rediscovered her own potential, motherhood remained at the heart of her identity. With six adult children and nine grandchildren, family continues to be her greatest source of pride.
“Now that my kids are all older, I look back and I think the best part for me of being their mum is seeing the amazing results and achievements that these tiny humans have grown up to accomplish.”
As Cindy celebrates Mother’s Day this year, she does so not just as a proud mum and grandmother, but as a fierce competitor and a symbol of what’s possible, for anyone, at any age.
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