Daniel King

Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Australian Army in 2010. I was a late starter; my oldest son Ryan thought it would be a good idea for me and him to join together. I worked in the Armored Corp (Cavalry) and my son was an Infantryman. I medically discharged earlier this year.  

Current occupation: Ammunition supplier

Home town: Sydney, New South Wales

Current town: Emu Plains, New South Wales

Competing in: Cycling, powerlifting and swimming

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have multiple service-related musculoskeletal injuries which has led to mental health problems. I have Plantar Fasciitis in both heals. I experience chronic pain all day every day.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? Sport has always been a huge part of my life. I was playing competitive touch football and golf up until my injuries stopped me. I thought my sporting life was over until I was introduced to the Adaptive Sports Program. This has given me a new outlook and trying some different sports has helped me both mentally and physically since my surgery.

Sport background: I was a competitive swimmer in my teens and then transitioned into water polo in my late teens and early twenties, both to a high representative level. I then started playing touch football and got to a high representative level both as a civilian and serving member. I have played and participated in many sports, with snow skiing being a sport I love but not in a competitive nature, plus indoor cricket and mixed netball, to name a few. I am currently playing competition golf which is my new sporting love.

What is your greatest achievement to date? It was probably joining the Army. I wish I had joined much earlier and could stay in a bit longer. It is easily the best job I have ever had.

Why did you apply for the Invictus Games? My rehabilitation coordinator thought it would be good for me to apply to help with my rehabilitation. She knew how much I loved sport and could see I was disappointed that I thought I would not be able to play sport following my injuries. Thank you, Giselle!

What will success look like for you at the Games? Being selected is success for me. Finding out my sporting life was not over and seeing how others have adapted to their disabilities showed me I can still enjoy a sport and life. That is success.

What does unconquered mean to you?
I agree with the Collins English Dictionary, i.e. ‘not able to be overcome or defeated’.
To me, it means my injuries can’t stop me from doing things I love. Being unconquerable lies within yourself, being conquerable lies with your enemy.