KARNEY ARMSTRONG

Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026  
 
ADF service:  
I joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2007 as a linguist before becoming a medic. I was medically discharged in 2018. 
 
I deployed numerous times onboard ships. 
 
Other information:  
I now teach trauma sensitive and adaptive yoga in Baldivis, Perth. This style of yoga is unique, however drawing on my life experiences I have made it suitable for the Veteran and First Responder community. I have witnessed so many of my yogis grow since commencing my classes which fills my heart with so much joy.  
 
As I am an army brat, but also third generation navy, I am a strong advocate in the Veteran space here in Perth. My life's purpose is to help our veteran and first responder family where and when I can.  
 
My next goal is to get my children's chapter book published which is based on my late service dog, Ivy and is loosely based on my upbringing including time living at Swanbourne. I am also learning hairdressing so I can provide a safe space for people who find getting their hair cut in public difficult, and so I can go out into the community and offer free haircuts to those who are less fortunate. 
 
I am a proud mum of two beautiful boys, Hadley and Spencer. I also have my service dog, Pascoe who fills my heart with so much joy. My dream is to travel around Australia in a caravan, with no itinerary and see where life takes us. 
 
Age: 38 
 
Home town: My parents were in the army, so I lived in many locations. I joined the navy in Nowra, New South Wales. 
 
Current town: Baldivis, Western Australia 
 
What is the nature of your injury or illness?  
I have bilateral hip injuries, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress, OCD and an eating disorder.   
 
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? 
My Invictus journey started whilst I was still in uniform. I wanted to create a rehabilitation program that incorporated the Invictus Games. I was told by two of my patients that I should apply so that I could show people that sport is for everyone, no matter your mental or physical injuries or fitness level.  
My yogis, who are mainly veterans and whom I teach yoga to, play a major role in my social well‑being. We communicate daily, ensuring everyone is travelling well and assists each other when needed, such as attending appointments and courses etc. 
 
How have you stayed connected to sport? 
I started my own yoga business which is tailored for everyone, but mainly those who have serviced and have limited physical ability. I also have a reformer Pilates machine which I use most days to maintain pain free. 
 
How did it feel being told you will compete for Team Australia?  
I feel proud knowing I’ll be competing alongside one of my yogis, who was inspired to after seeing me represent Australia at the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023. Standing by his side, knowing his journey and how much he has entrusted me with his yoga practice, makes me immensely proud. 
 
Our fellow yogis will be in the crowd supporting us. Knowing I’ve helped create this tribe of beautiful veterans inspires me to get out of bed every day and be the best version of myself. 
 
What will ‘winning’ look like for you at the Invictus Australia Sports Festival?  
Winning will look like standing side by side with my fellow veteran yogi, wearing our Australian uniform, knowing how much we’ve both had to overcome to be there, and that we did it by supporting one another. That moment will be priceless.