Brody Gladysz is the pin king of Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
In just 1 week, the 10-year-old son of Team Australia co-captain Kaz Gladysz has managed to wheel and deal with the 23 participating countries to trade Aussie merch for pins.
Most nation's team kit usually includes a small number of metal trading pins to allow competitors and family and friends to strike up conversations with other countries and form bonds.
Team Australia pins are always a favourite amongst other countries, giving Brody strong trading powers in his search for a full set.
"I have all the countries except Brazil and Unconquered because they don't have pins," the Year 5 pupil said.
"I also have some pins that represent the countries in Canada and I've got an Invictus Games supporter pin. I have 2 of those on both sides of my lanyard and that reminds me that I was a supporter for my mum."
Using boomerangs and Australian pins as leverage in his dealings with the other nations, Brody rates his Team Poland pin as his favourite, owing to his father's Polish heritage.
"The one I was so happy to collect was Poland. I traded that for an Invictus Games koala because Dad's Polish and I've been dying to get one. Polska!"
While reminders of his Canadian adventure are one thing, Brody has his priorities firmly in order. Invictus Games Vancouver Canada 2025 are all about his mum.
"I started collecting pins to remember this journey of going to Canada," he said.
"Watching Mum compete is just the best thing I have ever done. I love seeing her face after the game after she's won. She's a warrior.
"Mum means everything to me. Whenever I support her in the Games, that's my number one thing. I would skip everything to do that."
Brody will be in the front row with his father and brother, cheering on mum Kaz tomorrow as she hits the pool for the swimming competition.
