sue osborn

Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Australian Army in 1993 as a Medic and spent most of my time in Sydney. I was fortunate enough to become parachute-qualified and posted to the Parachute Surgical Team. As a medic I deployed to the Solomon Islands and East Timor, both of which were very rewarding. In 2008, I transferred to the Royal Australian Artillery to become an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator. In this role I deployed twice to Afghanistan, once operating Scaneagle and the other Shadow 200. I loved my military service but was medically discharged in 2021.  

Other information: I have been fortunate to be able to find a job where I can use my military skills and now hold a role delivering drone light shows. My partner is Renee and we have an 8-year-old, Bella, who will both be joining me at the Games. 

Age: 49 

Hometown: Shellharbour, NSW 

Current town: Emerald Lakes, QLD 

Competing in: Indoor rowing, skeleton, sitting volleyball, swimming and wheelchair basketball. 

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have a long list of service-related injuries to my ankles, knees, lower back, right shoulder and neck. I’ve had 1 knee replaced and will get the other replaced soon. I have surgery booked to replace my right ankle in 2025. 

Sport background: Sport has been a huge part of my life. I played representative touch football and did surf lifesaving before joining the Army. While serving, I represented ADF at a national level in rugby union, Aussie rules, touch football and soccer. I also played rugby league in a civilian league and was part of the NSW team. 

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? Sport has only just come back into my life since joining the Adaptive Sports Program. Prior to this my injuries prevented me from participating like I used to. 

How did you feel when you were told you made the Invictus Games team? I was so excited. It’s given me some focus and reason to train, away from just rehab. It’s reinvigorated a competitive spark and drive to be better every day. 

What is your greatest achievement to date? In the context of adaptive sports, winning a silver medal at the Warrior Games in discus was a great achievement. 

Why did you apply for Invictus Games? I wanted to learn more about adaptive sports and how I could benefit. 

What will ‘winning’ look like for you at the Games? Just participating as part of a team again is a win for me. 

Who is supporting you at the Games? My partner, Renee, and daughter, Bella, will join me in Vancouver.