BIO: Steven Richards
Steven will participate at the Allied Winter Sports Camp in Canada in 2023
Sport has helped me maintain a level of competitiveness and that desire to win against all odds.
ADF Service:
I joined the Army in 2005 as a Fitter Armament. Originally posted to 2nd/14th Lighthorse in 2008, I transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as a Ground Mechanical Engineer Fitter (GMEFITT) in 2010, and deployed on Operation Slipper in 2013. I was a driver to Air Commander Australia (ACAUST) in 2014, and was medically Discharged in October 2022.
Age: 39
Hometown: Christchurch NZ
Current Town: Maitland NSW
What is the Nature of your injury or illness?
Mainly my back – it’s pretty much stuffed from top to bottom. I didn’t have a single incident that brought it on, rather it’s accumulated wear and tear from my trade and soldiering.
Sport background:
I played rugby as a teen and have been heavily into archery since I was 12. I love hunting and spearfishing as well.
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation?
Sport has helped me maintain a level of competitiveness and that desire to win against all odds.
Why did you apply for the Adaptive Sport Program?
For the chance to try something new and make new friends
What will “success” look like for you at the Allied Winter Sports Camp?
Being able to have a crack at everything and just enjoy myself
What is your greatest achievement to date?
As cheesy as it sounds, being a dad to my two daughters.
What is your ultimate goal?
To be the best Dad and Husband I can.
What does Unconquered mean to you?
As a student of stoicism “Unconquered” means to master my own mind. Our perception is our reality, so never give up the fight to be positive.
get to know Steven in 60 secs
- Favourite movie: The Princess Bride
- TV show: Rick & Morty
- Holiday destination: NZ
- Favorite Sport: Archery
- Currently work for: Soldier On as a Pathways Officer.
- Nickname: Richo (not surprisingly)
- Hobbies: Hunting, Spearfishing, Tabletop model painting, Beekeeping
- Your heroes: The men and women that have fought for our freedoms
- Favourite quote: “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” – Marcus Aurelius
- Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Probably following my eldest daughter as she pursues her ballet career
- what would you do with your last $10: Buy a couple of VBs. One for me and one for my amazing wife Karen.
meet the whole team
TOP MOMENTS OF 2024 | Before we say goodbye to 2024, let’s reflect on some of the standout moments of connection, camaraderie, and sport within the defence community this year.
To start, we are heading back to August, where a team of 22 defence community members came together to form Team Invictus Australia and compete in the Masters Category at the 2024 World Lifesaving Championships. Returning competitor Sean Lawler summed up what made this team special perfectly:
“Watching the connection and camaraderie continue from the battlefield to the beaches is what makes this team unique and so special.”
After a couple of days of competing, it became clear that being involved in Team Invictus Australia meant more than performance. Over the course of the event, the team inspired many veterans and family members, creating connections over their shared experiences in the defence community.
Image credit: Chris O`Brien
@2024lwc
Looking for a way to stay #active and #connected over the Christmas and New Years period?
One of our sporting partners, @parkrunau, will still be running some of their events over the holiday period, including on Christmas and New Year`s Day. Why not head along, join Team Veteran, our inclusive parkrun group, and keep connected within the local community?
To find out if your local parkrun will be holding events on Christmas or New Years Day, head to the link in bio.
Only 50 DAYS TO GO until @invictusgames25 kicks off in Vancouver Whistler!
Team Australia have been busy putting the finishing touches on their training ahead of competition in Canada!
Not long now! Drop the team some words of encouragement in the comments. 💛🖤
@weareinvictusgames
We partner with @sportsadf to deliver Team Australia to the Invictus Games.