Katie chapman
Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Competitor
ADF service: I joined the Australian Army Reserves in 2001 while studying at Sydney University. I went full-time in 2003, graduating from Duntroon in 2005 as an Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Officer. I was medically discharged on 31 October 2018 with a combination of physical and mental health injuries. My highlights include training as a Thai interpreter and interpreting in Thailand and Australia on exercise, competing in Army and ADF snow sports competitions, and competing against the British Armed Forces snowboarding in Europe.
Other information: I currently work part-time as a junior medical doctor. Most people call me some derivative of my surname; Chappy is the most common, but any suffix will do! I love God, animals and nature, and currently have a 15-year-old dog (Barklay), and 2 cats (Pip-squeak and Ricky). I am the youngest of 3 siblings, with 2 older brothers.
Age: 42
Hometown: Bendigo, VIC
Current town: Bendigo, VIC
Competing in: Indoor rowing, snowboarding and sitting volleyball.
What is the nature of your injury or illness? My hips are shot! I need a replacement on my left but I’m trying to wait as long as possible (I can’t wait much longer!). I broke my back in 2016 and it’s a bit dodgy, both my knees are worn out, and my left forearm and wrist aren’t quite the same after breaking them. I sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury in 2013 and have ongoing issues with anxiety and PTSD. They’re the main ones!
Sport background: I played netball in primary school and in high school I added tennis, basketball, volleyball and rowing. I also gave skateboarding a crack. It’s difficult to play sport with all my injuries but I still get to the snow when I can. I miss team sports a lot.
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? My main sport is snowboarding and the thing with snow sports is they’re inclusive; they’re family. Although I was medically discharged and not as physically or intellectually capable as I used to be, my snow sports family supported me, helped me adapt and encouraged me. I have no doubt I wouldn’t have recovered as much as I have without them.
How did you feel when you were told you made the Invictus Games team? Both excited and petrified. Attending the training camps, completing the training for the sports and attending the Games will be very challenging for me physically, emotionally and psychologically. I am not sure if I’ll make it. Only time will tell.
What is your greatest achievement to date? Growing into the person I am.
Why did you apply for Invictus Games? Because my snow sports family encouraged me to. They thought I was ready to reconnect to the military in a positive way through something I love – snowboarding. When I left the Army, sadly, it wasn’t on good terms. It took a long time and a lot of therapy to be able to even say the word ‘Army’ without bursting into rage or tears! This is hopefully a way I can create a new memory - a good memory - to remember my service.
What will ‘winning’ look like for you at the Games? Getting there, that will be winning for me. I cannot understate how much of a battle it is for me. I also hope to make new friends and positive memories, that will be winning.
Who is supporting you at the Games? My best friend since we were 15, Kirsty, and my friend, Karen. There will also be people from the snow sports family in the crowds as well!
