Flight Sergeant Nathan King and Able Seaman Taryn Dickens have been announced as the co-captains of Team Australia for Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.
The duo will lead the combined team of 31 current and former military personnel, along with more than 90 of their family and friends, at the Games from September 9-16.
Aircraft technician Flight Sergeant King is returning for his second Games, to re-focus his training and further rehabilitate following a sporting injury that left him in intensive care for six weeks and with restricted use of his left leg.
Flight Sergeant King said he wanted to compete a second time to mentor new competitors, so being named captain was a privilege.
“Being able to lead such an incredible group of people is truly an honour and I am grateful to have been considered for the role,” Flight Sergeant King said.
“I’ll be encouraging everyone to put their best foot forward and just do their best – that’s what it’s all about.
“I would also encourage others who are not part of the team to get involved in adaptive sport. There are lots of opportunities, and being involved in sport can really improve your lifestyle.”
Able Seaman Dickens, a weapons rate electronics technician who is currently posted to HMAS Harman, said she was excited but surprised to be named a team captain.
“I didn’t think I would be nominated with so many other deserving people on the team. I am very grateful to have been selected,” Able Seaman Dickens said.
“We have had a few team camps now, so the team knows each other really well and the culture in the team is really supportive. It’s a great environment.”
Chef de Mission of Team Australia, Brigadier Phil Winter, said the team captains were a credit to the ADF and the nation.
“I commend Flight Sergeant King and Able Seaman Dickens on their selection as team captains,” Brigadier Winter said.
“They and their teammates represent the epitome of resilience and the Australian spirit.
“The Invictus Games provide an opportunity for Australia to celebrate determination, mateship and honour with others from around the world who have also shown resilience in times of adversity.”
The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for serving and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service.
The Invictus Games Düsseldorf will bring together up to 500 current and former military personnel from 22 nations.
Competitors will compete in both individual and team sports including athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, table tennis, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
The Australian team is supported by the ADF and Invictus Australia.
