How has Team Australia prepared for the winter sports debuting at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025?
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will mark a historic moment as winter sports make their first appearance in the Games’ history. For Team Australia, this inclusion has presented a unique challenge.
Coming from a country known for its warm climate, the team has had to adapt their training methods to prepare for events typically held in snow and ice. Despite these challenges, the coaching staff have focused on innovative ways to allowing Team Australia to ensure they feel prepared for competing in the winter sports.. Curious how Team Australia have been preparing, find out below.
Alpine Familiarisation at Perisher Ski Fields
In August, Team Australia competitors ventured to the Perisher Ski Resort in New South Wales for an Alpine Familiarisation camp. This camp was a critical step in the competitors preparation, especially since many participants had never seen snow before.
The camp provided novice participants with lessons in Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, both of which will debut at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. It was great to see competitors building their confidence and skills on the snow, giving things a go they’d never tried before.
Curling Training in Brisbane
With no dedicated curling training centre in Australia, the Wheelchair Curling team had to think outside the box. They traveled to Brisbane on two separate occasions to upskill on an ice rink, allowing them to familiarise themselves with the feel of the ice and the rules of wheelchair curling.
Beyond just learning the sport, these sessions were a testament to the team’s tight bond, as they supported each other through the learning process, soon understanding a sport that was completely new to them when selected for the Team.
Nigel Coutts, Sergeant Emily Lahey, Jo Lovell and Luke McCallum will represent Team Australia in wheelchair curling at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, promising to put on a fun-filled, engaging display of the sport.
Learn what competitor Jo Lovell loves about Curling and more about the sport here:
Nordic Skiing with Roller Skis at Stromlo Forest Park
During October and December training camps, Team Australia’s Nordic skiers headed to the asphalt paths of Stromlo Forest Park to hone their skills. Despite the absence of snow, the team worked with roller skis, which provided an excellent alternative for the competitors to build the essential skills needed to compete in Canada. Competitors focused on improving their balance, endurance and getting a feel for being on skis.
These sessions were invaluable in preparing the team for the snowy slopes of Whistler. Get a behind the scenes look at the team at Stromlo here.
Watch this quick video to learn more about Nordic Skiing and Biathlon:
Skeleton Training at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
Training for skeleton proved to be one of the most challenging aspects for Team Australia due to the lack of a dedicated skeleton training centre locally. Instead, the team focused on strengthening the muscled needed to ensure the group can safely participate in the high-adrenaline sport. Additionally, they had some fun at the AIS, using a skeleton simulator to get a feel for the sport. This innovative approach allowed them to gain insights into the dynamics of skeleton racing. Check out how they went here.
Watch Invictus and Warrior Games alumna Laura Reynell talk more about Skeleton here:
A Testament to Creativity and Adaptability
Team Manager, Anne Rutlidge, shared her thoughts on the team’s journey:
I have been amazed by the creativity and adaptability of our coaches and participants. Watching them tackle the unique challenges of preparing for winter sports, often in conditions far removed from what they will face in Whistler, has been nothing short of inspiring.”
With less than a month to go until Team Australia head to Canada, make sure you are signed up to our Newsletter and are following Invictus Australia on socials, so you’re first to know about how the group performs in these winter sports.
Want a Behind the Scenes look at Team Australia?
Check out our Instagram Broadcast Channel, ‘Aussie Guide to the Invictus Games,’ an exclusive glimpse into Team Australia’s journey to Canada. Join for a behind the scenes look at the Vancouver-Whistler Games, to get to know Team Australia and learn all things Canadian ahead of the February kick off. Click here, or head to Invictus Australia’s Instagram, to join this group!
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About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia encourages veterans and their families to connect and engage with their communities through sport. Whether participating or volunteering at grassroots level, to competing internationally at an Invictus or Warrior Games, Invictus Australia leverages the power of sport to proactively foster good health and aid in recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. Invictus Australia promotes the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport for all, and shine a light on the unique needs of younger veterans, particularly the challenges associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.
