Day seven of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 meant the much anticipated of the 2025 Team Aus swim team. Chelsie Clayton and Dane Greenstreet, two of these competitors, bring their past professional swimming experience to the pool, offering a unique perspective within the diverse group of competitors. Both have previously competed as swimmers at different stages in their lives, but this journey to the Games marks an entirely new chapter, one defined by camaraderie, resilience, and shared determination. 

For Chelsie, former army medic and current nurse, swimming has been a part of her life since she was 2 years old, competing from as young as 8. However, being part of this team is vastly different from her previous experiences in competitive swimming. “One of the major differences is training on my own and maintaining motivation,” she shares. “I love the support and encouragement from Adam [Team Australia’s swim coach], even though he is not on the pool deck. I love the camaraderie and mateship that comes along with being part of the Invictus team and really enjoy getting together at the training camps. Whilst the team has different challenges, everyone is so supportive, and I find their determination and grit inspires me so much.” 

Dane Greenstreet, a former serving Army veteran who was medically discharged from service, was a competitive swimmer through his school years, and has used the sport consistently throughout his life for fitness. But joining this team, he says, has been different.

“Being a part of the Invictus swim team is an entirely different experience to any other swim team/club I have been a part of before due to the diversity of the people in the team. It’s been amazing to watch the team progress over the training camps also amazing to see the other competitors overcome the difficulties that their individual injuries impose.”  

Because of the inclusivity and diversity within the group Dane has been able to reach personal goals in this team environment; “Personally, it’s been amazing for me as it has got me back in the pool doing some laps with purpose, which has given me confidence in my ability and a massive sense of achievement.” 

How Team Australia Competed in the Pool 

On Day 7, February 14th, the aquatic center was packed to the brim, with supporters cheering loud. Team Australia hit the water with purpose, each swimmer showcasing the spirit of the Invictus Games: resilience and an unbreakable will to succeed.

Whether it was beating personal bests, like MAJ Liz Daly in the 50m swim heats, or winning Gold for their country, the entire team were excited to be in the pool, doing what they love to do, motivated by their loved ones in the crowd. In true Invictus fashion, sportsmanship was at the forefront, with competitors embracing eachother at the end of each race, or walking out arm in arm with veterans from other countries.

For a list of results, head to our Team Aus Hub.

Chelsie reflects on how her previous experiences have shaped her perspective: “I stopped competitive swimming due to my performance anxiety and pressure from coaches, and I find the Invictus team environment is much more supportive and welcoming. This opportunity has given me the ability to compete again, which was something I always loved and didn’t realise how much I missed. Being part of a team and competing has reignited my competitive spirit.” 

Similarly, Dane has uncovered his sense of self by getting back to competitive swimming post service and injury. He shared, “Since getting back in the pool regularly I have really rediscovered my love of swimming. Swimming has really helped me find my self-confidence. As a kid I was always sure of myself in and around the water, I lost that somewhere along the way, and with it my self-confidence. The last 6 months of training has really helped me rebuild that.” 

 
Medals Won and Personal Victories 

Team Australia’s swimmers delivered outstanding performances on Day 7, giving it their all in the pool. Beyond the podium finishes, the true triumph lay in the stories of recovery, grit, and growth that played out in every race. 

Chelsie’s journey exemplifies this spirit:

Watching my teammates overcome their injuries and their mental fortitude gives e so much motivation to be a better person and athlete.”

CHELSIE CLAYTON

TEAM AUSTRALIA COMPETITOR

Chelsie continued: Sharing my knowledge and experience with other team members who haven’t had as much exposure to competitive swimming has been incredibly rewarding.” 

Life After the Games: Keeping the Momentum 

As the Games progress toward their conclusion, the journey doesn’t end for this pair.  

Chelsie plans to stay active and connected through sport: “I plan to join surf life saving again and will continue to keep training to compete at Pan Pac’ and Masters Games. Getting involved in sport again has been a big part of my mental health journey and motivates me to get out of the house even on my worst days. I look forward to keeping in contact with the friends I have made as part of Team Australia, which I would never have had the opportunity to do without being selected.” 

Building on the momentum from this incredible experience at the Games, Dane plans to keep his mental and physical health on track through sport. “I will certainly stay involved in team sports (AFL and cricket) post Games, but I will also use swimming as it’s been such a magnificent aid to maintain my mental health. Sport and exercise has and will continue to always be key to keeping myself on the right track both physically and mentally, but my rediscovered passion for swimming has really surprised me and I will be focusing on that upon return.” 

A Team Like No Other 

Chelsie, Dane, and the rest of Team Australia exemplify what makes the Invictus Games so special. Their stories, both in and out of the pool, remind us that the Games are about finding strength in vulnerability, forging unbreakable bonds, and inspiring others to overcome life’s challenges. As Team Australia competes in Canada, they are already proving they are not just another swim team, they are a testament to the unconquerable human spirit. 

Keep up to date with all the action

The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for serving and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service. Team Australia is delivered in partnership between Invictus Australia and the Australian Defence Force, and consists of 33 competitors.  

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Read live updates from Canada, get to know Team Australia and learn how to connect through sport in your local community via our Team Australia Invictus Games 2025 hub. Head to the hub below.

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About the Invictus Games

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Invictus Games takes place from the 8th – 16th February in Canada. Invictus Australia, in partnership with the Australian Defence Force, are supporting 33 former and current serving competitors as part of Team Australia.

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for serving and former serving military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service. Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is the Patron of the Invictus Games. The Games uses the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and celebrate the crucial role played by family and friends.

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.