ADAM JACKSON
Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Competitor
ADF service: I joined the Australian Army in 2006 as an Avionics Technician, which meant I maintained the electrical systems on helicopters. This awesome job saw me work on Blackhawks, MRH90 Taipan Helicopters and Chinooks. I deployed to Afghanistan twice, and serving my country alongside other nations at Kandahar Airfield was the highlight of my career. I was posted to Perth with Defence Force Recruiting, which gave me the privilege of engaging with school students, parents and others to share why working in Defence is a rewarding job.
Other information: My wife, Kate, and 2 children, Maddy and Layla, have spent countless hours looking after me. My family are my ultimate supporters.
Age: 43
Hometown: Toowoomba, QLD
Current town: Sunshine Coast, QLD
Competing in: Indoor rowing, nordic skiing, sitting volleyball, and swimming.
What is the nature of your injury or illness? I suffered a massive stroke in 2020, which left me completely paralysed on my right side. I was unable to talk or eat. Doctors told me I would never walk again. I still have deficiencies on my right side, including a non-functional right hand. I also have other physical and mental health issues.
Sport background: I have always loved sport. I played baseball, softball and netball when I was young and continued netball until my injury. While serving in the Army, I represented North Queensland and Western Australia in several inter-service netball competitions.
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? Before my stroke, I was fit and healthy, and this helped my recovery and rehabilitation. Being physically fit before my stroke helped me recover quicker. I had to learn to move, walk, eat, speak and write again. I went from being paralysed to walking and trying to run within 2 months while still in hospital. I was even trying to play handball in a wheelchair with my children. I have used my love of fitness to build up strength and to motivate others.
How did you feel when you were told you made the Invictus Games team? I have been on my rehabilitation journey for the past 4 years. I want to recover the best I can for both myself and my family. To have the opportunity to represent Team Australia has filled me with a sense of pride. To be able to stand alongside my teammates and compete with other amazing people from different countries is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
What is your greatest achievement to date? Marrying my wife and having my 2 children. Why did you apply for Invictus Games? Being the first winter Invictus Games, I want to test myself in a very foreign environment and use my positive attitude and story to help other people. I saw snow for the first time when I was 26 and have only spent a couple of days snowboarding. Nordic skiing will be an absolute delight.
What will ‘winning’ look like for you at the Games? Competing and supporting my teammates at the Games is ‘winning’ enough. Supporting and befriending other competitors from other countries is a big bonus.
Who is supporting you at the Games? My wonderful wife and 2 children. I have an amazing team of health professionals who have helped me get to where I am today, and they will be cheering the team and myself on from Australia.
