josh madden

Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026

 ADF Service: 
I served for 11 years in the Army as a Medic from 2006 to 2017.  My posting locations included Oakey, Townsville, Brisbane, and Adelaide.  I deployed to East Timor and Afghanistan.  In my opinion, the best job in the army was a Company/Squadron Medic for a Combat Arms unit. 
 
Other information:
I'm a proud Queenslander, but after discharging from the Army, I moved with my wife Lauren and two children, Isla and Dexter, to Mildura, Victoria.  We have two pet dogs, as well as my service dog, Perran.
 
Age: 42             
 
Hometown: Brisbane, Queensland
 
Current town: Mildura, Victoria
 
What is the nature of your injury/ illness?
I was diagnosed with PTSD and depression, as well as a lower back injury and other musculoskeletal injuries. 
 
 
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation?
Sport, and exercise in general, has always been a major factor in maintaining my mental wellbeing, and it's something I've always enjoyed.
 
Growing up, I participated in cricket, soccer and swimming club.  I also coached soccer for a couple of years after high school before joining the army.
 
I now enjoy going to the gym and have started swimming again. Being a member of the gym community has taken me out of my comfort zone but allows me to be connected and supported in my rehabilitation. 
 
How have you stayed connected to sport?
After the Invictus Germany Sports Festival, I wanted to maintain the progress I’d made in the lead‑up to the competition and put into practice the lessons I’d learned from the coaches along the way. I’ve continued the training programs we were given for the bike and rower because I genuinely enjoy them.
 
How did it feel being told you will compete for Team Australia 
It was an incredible feeling.  I felt fortunate to represent Australia at The Invictus Germany Sports Festival, and to be able to do it a second time is a dream come true.  I was privileged to wear Australia’s uniform for 11 years in the army, but to wear it twice now for sport is something I never imagined would be possible. I’m incredibly proud and deeply humbled to have that honour.
 
What will 'winning' look like for you at the Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026? 
Wearing the green and gold alongside a group of incredible veterans and support staff already feels like a win. If I give one hundred per cent, then no matter the results on the day, I’ll walk away with a big smile on my face and some unforgettable memories.