CALLAN MCLEAN

Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Royal Australian Navy in June 2014 as a Maritime Logistics Chef, deploying primarily on HMAS Shepparton based in Cairns. In 2019 I transferred to Physical Training Instructor where I served onboard HMAS Choules as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre, as well as postings at HMAS Creswell, training new entry naval officers, and HMAS Penguin. I then medically discharged in 2023 due to multiple musculoskeletal injuries.  

Other information: I am a married father of 2 boys. 

Age: 29 

Hometown: Mackay, QLD 

Current town: Newcastle, NSW 

Competing in: Biathlon, sitting volleyball, swimming, and wheelchair rugby. 

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have bilateral cartilage issues in both knees, primarily due to overuse during my time in the Australian Defence Force, which now restrict me from any running or high-impact activity. In addition, I have mental health and multiple other musculoskeletal injuries.  

Sport background: I competed in swimming, soccer and Aussie rules through my childhood and teenage years. My greatest sporting achievement would have to be being a co-captain to my sporting house during my senior year of school, with our house winning both the swimming and athletics competitions. Winning age champion for the fourth year in a row of the swimming carnival was the icing on the cake.  

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? Prior to injury, sport was my whole life. Finding adaptive sport and new methods to keep fit and get my sporting fix has allowed me to not only improve my physical fitness once again but to also improve my mental health.  

How did you feel when you were told you made the Invictus Games team? I was overjoyed to have been selected from such a great group of people, to be part of such an amazing opportunity.  

What is your greatest achievement to date? Becoming a father to my 2 sons is undoubtedly my greatest achievement in life. They give me purpose, hope and unconditional love.  

Why did you apply for Invictus Games? Having had previous colleagues and close mates take part in the last Invictus Games and witnessing first-hand the amazing effect it had on their rehabilitation journey gave me the final push to apply.  

What will ‘winning’ look like for you at the Games? Winning for me will be the satisfaction of taking part in the Games with a group of incredibly motivated like-minded Aussies by my side, who are all striving to push themselves as part of their own journey. Standing up on a podium with them by my side in victory would be incredible, however even showing up and doing our best is an amazing achievement.  

Who is supporting you at the Games? My beautiful wife, Shana, and our 2 sons, Xavier (3) and Charles (7 months), will be cheering me on from the sidelines.