Day 4 of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 showcased some truly inspiring moments at Whistler Olympic Park, with Team Aus competing in the Nordic events, including Novice and Intermediate/Advanced cross-country skiing and biathlon.

The day’s events not only demonstrated the strength and resilience of each competitor but also highlighted the key themes of the Games—recovery and family. For many, this day marked a culmination of months, and for some, years, of hard work, physical rehabilitation and the unwavering support of loved ones.

CONQUERING THE MOUNTAIN: AUSTRALIAN VETERANS TAKE HOME GOLD AND SILVER SURROUNDED BY FAMILY

Captain Olivia Miley-Dyer’s performance in the Novice Cross-Country Skiing event was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite having only started skiing just six months ago, Olivia took home the gold medal in the Women’s Novice – Open with her family proudly by her side. Her journey to the Games has been one of immense challenge and perseverance.

Diagnosed with advanced thyroid cancer, Olivia underwent a 9-hour neck bilateral dissection, leaving her with significant physical limitations. The removal of all the lymph nodes in her neck, a lengthy ICU stay, and the challenges of radiation treatment during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic placed an enormous emotional burden on both her and her family. Despite these challenges, Olivia found strength in her recovery and began focusing on her physical rehabilitation, including taking up swimming to build strength in her lungs and body for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Today, as she crossed the finish line, Olivia not only conquered her physical limitations but also proved the power of family support. Her loved ones were there every step of the way, providing the encouragement and strength she needed to reach the top of the podium.

“My family has struggled through my treatment and they really had to put their lives on hold to care for me so to have this experience and be able to travel together is something we will remember forever.”

As well as her amazing result, Olivia is most excited to be able to head back home with a new sport she now says she loves:

“This sport is not very big in Australia so to get an opportunity to compete here and fall in love with a sport that I never thought I would even try has been an amazing experience.”

At the Biathlon, Lieutenant Commander Dave Miln took home silver in the Men’s Intermediate-Advanced IBI1 – Sit Ski. Surrounded by his wife, Clare, and his children, Isla and Anna, Dave recognised how incredible it was to even be at the snow with his family again, just two years since he was injured.

In 2022, Dave and his family were involved in an accident with a snow removal machine. While Dave’s physical injuries were immense, the toll it took on the entire family has been difficult. This trip marked the first time since the family had been back to the snow, Dave reflected:

“This has been a journey for all of my family. Coming back to the snow as a family is incredibly hard, it has all the PTSD for all of us. So hopefully this will have been a healing experience for us all, but it is small steps.”

Adam Jackson: A Family Affair at the Finish Line

For Adam Jackson, a Novice Nordic skier and captain of the Nordic team, the experience of competing in the Invictus Games was one that brought his entire family together. With his wife and children waiting at the finish line, Adam’s journey in the Nordic events was a symbol of the healing and strength that family brings. For Adam’s wife, Kate, being at the finish line ready to congratulate him means the family have won.

Having faced his own battles with recovery after a stroke left him paralysed in his right arm, Adam pushed through his physical limits, motivated not just by his personal goals but by the supportive nature of Team Australia

“I love that it’s not about you as a person, it’s about the team, and how everyone performs and having your other teammates backs, supporting them.”

KaZ GlADYSZ: “The last time i was on the snow i was three years old.”

Kaz’s story is a true testament to the power of recovery and the importance of resilience. Before coming to Whistler, the last time Kaz had been on skis was when she was only three years old. Returning to the slopes as part of the Invictus Games was a monumental step in her recovery, after a back injury and surgical complications saw her discharged from the Air Force in 2024. She embraced the opportunity to rediscover her love for skiing after so many years.

“My goal for today was to have fun and stay up, and I managed to stay on my feet so that is definitely a win.”

Although skiing at this level was a huge challenge, the determination to push past her physical limitations inspired her husband, Bart and children Riley and Brody who were ready to embrace her at the finish line.

“She has worked really hard to get here,” Bart said, “and it has paid off, she is doing us proud.”

A Celebration of Family, Resilience, and Recovery

The Nordic events at the Invictus Games have not only been a celebration of athleticism, but also a powerful reminder of the importance of family and the incredible capacity for recovery in the face of adversity. Each competitor in the Novice and Intermediate/Advanced cross-country skiing and biathlon events proved that recovery is not a straight line but a journey—a journey made all the more meaningful when surrounded by family.

As we wrap up the Nordic events on Day 4, the stories of sportsmen and women like Olivia, Adam, and Kaz stand as a shining example of the strength that comes from both within and from those who support us. The Invictus Games continue to be a platform for showing the world the power of sport and its impact on `recovery, family, and resilience.

Looking forward

As the Games continue, we look forward to seeing more inspiring moments unfold. Stay tuned for further updates as our competitors continue to demonstrate the true spirit of the Invictus Games.

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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.