Mark Armstrong
Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 Competitor
ADF service: I was in the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Infantry Corps (RAINF) 1987-1989, and the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps (RAAMC) 1989-1999. I deployed to Rwanda in 1994 and 1995 and was awarded our unit Meritorious Unit Citation.
Current occupation: I am a proud Gamilaroi man (Aboriginal) who is involved with helping other indigenous people through many different organisations and sporting teams. I volunteer with my local Rural Fire Brigade.
Age: 53
Home town: Brisbane, Queensland
Current town: Brisbane, Queensland
Competing in: Archery, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball
What is the nature of your injury or illness?
I have many muscular skeletal (physical) injuries, an acquired brain injury, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), mefloquine toxicity (permanent adverse reaction to an anti-malaria drug) as well as visual and psychological injuries. I had my 35th surgery earlier this year and after the Games I will have two spinal stimulator implants inserted into my back to deal with daily headaches, migraines, back pain and sciatic pain.
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? I have had to change my sports to fit in with my current medical conditions. Although I am unable to compete in the sports I did previously, I have adapted to sports that allow me to feel good about myself whilst still being challenging. Sport has helped me to accept that I am not able to do certain activities I once could. I am more at ease with myself and others now.
Sport background: Over the years I have played and refereed touch football, rugby league, AFL, cricket, gridiron, competed in triathlons, mountain bike racing, obstacle course races and adventure races. I manage a National Indigenous Football team. I partnered with my daughter to compete in six-hour Rogains and six-hour Adventure (multi-sport) races. Jasmine was in the 9-13 year old category and I was 43-47 category. I rode my last 24-hour mountain bike race when I was 47 but have had to give up all my racing due to ongoing pain and old injuries.
What is your greatest achievement to date? Being a father to two beautiful children and watching them both grow to be well-rounded individuals who are academic, sports and community minded. Overcoming medical adversity and being able to be a better husband, father and person. Military-wise there is too much to cover.
Why did you apply for the Invictus Games? As a volunteer with Team Rubicon Australia (Disaster Relief Australia) at Invictus Games Sydney 2018, I witnessed the camaraderie within the competing teams and felt inspired to be a part of that in 2020. Competing in the Invictus Games The Hague 2022 was amazing and I wanted to help guide new teammates through the experience.
What will success look like for you at the Games? Qualifying for the team is already success for me. Being able to compete against other veterans on an international stage, with my family there to support and cheer me on, regardless of the result is a huge achievement. Medals have never been important, it’s the overall journey that is most valuable.
What does unconquered mean to you? Pretty simple really - play fair, be nice, give your all and don’t give up.
