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 Australia of 31 current and former military personnel along with more than 90 of their family and friends at the games that will run from 9-16 September.
Flight Sergeant King, an aircraft technician, 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,” said Flight Sergeant King.
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,” said Able Seaman Dickens.
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 Australian Defence Force and Invictus Australia.
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.”
“They, and their teammates represent the epitome of resilience and the Australian spirit.”
“The Invictus Games are 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.”
