Leading Seaman Christopher Hill's life is testament to the power of teamwork.
From a childhood grounded in the team sports of baseball, cricket, football, soccer, basketball and softball, through to a life dedicated to service as part of the Royal Australian Navy, he has thrived on being "part of something greater".
Now, as one of 33 former and current serving servicemen and women selected to don the green and gold at Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler in Canada, Leading Seaman Hill is feeling a new sense of pride and achievement.
"To be part of a team is to be a part of something greater than myself," he said.
The 39-year-old is excited to bring his partner, Paige, and mum, Kim, on his overseas odyssey, while his extended family and friends watch his progress from home.
"It's about challenging yourself mentally, physically and socially, while also supporting those around you to challenge themselves. It's about collectively excelling and working towards a common goal," Leading Seaman Hill said.
"Yes, I'm helping heal my trauma through sport and Invictus, but I also hope to help my teammates around me with their struggles and just be there for them; to be their rock."
'To be part of a team is to be a part of something greater than myself.'
Joining the Navy in 2018 as a boatswain's mate, Leading Seaman Hill has had an accomplished career.
He has served on a range of operations including Operation Resolute in 2019 to conduct the policy of sovereign borders, and volunteered for Operation COVID-19 Assist in 2021 to support Victorian Police in hotel quarantine. He has also participated in exercises such as Sea Raider, Sea Trident and Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022.
Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Leading Seaman Hill finds sport to be a valuable aid in his recovery journey.
"It allows me to get away from my anxiety, my stress and depression," he said.
"When I'm on the court or on the field or whatever, all that just disappears. I'm able to distance myself from the illness and feel 100 per cent better."
Although he has limited opportunity to finesse his beginner snowboarding skills on a daily basis while living in Carlingford, he has used general workouts and gym training to improve his fitness.
In terms of skills, Leading Seaman has honed his technique on the rowing machine in preparation for the one and four-minute row events, and has hit the local basketball court to practise shooting and dribbling in a wheelchair.
'It's about challenging yourself mentally, physically and socially, while also supporting those around you to challenge themselves.'
The Newcastle-raised sailor is also keen to continue with all three sports after the games.
"I've never snowboarded before, but I've got the bug now. I can't wait for the next snow season," Leading Seaman Hill said.
"Indoor rowing is just part of my gym life now, so I'll be indoor rowing every time I go to the gym.
"I haven't played wheelchair basketball with the team very often, just at the camp really, but after the games I will be self-canvassing and hopefully find a club to join, either in Sydney or Newcastle.
"This isn't the end for me."
When Leading Seaman Hill was told he had made the Invictus team, you couldn't wipe the smile off his face.
"Winning is a byproduct of sport, but to me it's not about winning; it's not about losing. It's about putting my best foot forward on the day," he said.
"I don't need to win. I just want everyone to have fun and be engrossed in the moment of playing for Team Australia."
Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will be held from February 8 to 16, with competitors demonstrating their skills in 11 snow and core adaptive sports - alpine skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, Nordic skiing, skeleton, wheelchair curling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
