James Alexander Barker

Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Australian Army as a Reservist in 1992 before transferring to the Regular Army in 1994. I worked as an Army Chef at Lavarack Barracks supporting Army personnel and deployed on exercises alongside allied troops from the United States Marines, Navy and Army.
 
Current occupation: I work full time as a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Service Delivery Planner.
 
Age: 49
 
Home town: Glenthompson, Victoria
 
Current town: Adelaide, South Australia
 
Competing in: Cycling, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby
 
What is the nature of your injury or illness? Permanent physical disability, above knee amputation, and a mild head injury as a result of a car accident.
 
What role has sport played in rehabilitation? Being involved in team sports during rehabilitation has helped me set targets and goals that I need to achieve.
 
Sport background: Growing up in a small country town in western Victoria I did a lot of different sports including AFL, cricket, tennis and swimming. I enjoyed competing in team sports from a young age.
 
I currently compete in wheelchair football for Sturt Football Club and won the South Australian National Football League in 2022. I compete in wheelchair basketball in the South Australia wheelchair social league.
 
What is your greatest achievement to date? Learning to walk again after my injury and being accepted to represent Australia at the Invictus Games.
 
Why did you apply for Invictus Games? To be able to participate in team sports on the world stage representing Australia and to show others if you dare to believe in yourself anything is possible. I wanted to demonstrate gratitude, mindfulness and empathy.
 
What will success like for you at the Games? Being part of Team Australia in Dusseldorf and supporting everyone competing.
 
What does unconquered mean to you? To never give up and give 110% at everything you set your mind to.