Kyle Burnett-Brooks joined the Army at the age of 17 and was posted to the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Four days after turning 18, he was deployed to Afghanistan, and was deployed a further two times after this. Burnett-Brooks is looking forward to competing in Athletics, Archery and Indoor Rowing during the Games.

Emma Burns was injured during service and has since been using the power of sport to aid her recovery. She will be representing the British Armed Forces in Athletics.

Terry Byrne served with the Parachute Regiment and was injured during service. This resulted in his leg being amputated below the knee. Since then, Byrne has been involved with adaptive sports, using its power to aid his recovery. He will be representing the British Armed Forces in Cycling.

LCpl Canizlopez was stationed in Japan for 9 months before his sporting injury. Johnny Canizlopez says “Invictus Games are a great opportunity for me to be able to play sports again and be active. The games have given me chances I’d never thought I would ever get again, like being a part of a competitive sports team. It’s really helped my morale during this time of injury.” He will be competing in Swimming and Sitting Volleyball.

Cody joined the Air Force in 2009 and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder a couple of years ago. He has since left the military and is thinking of heading back to school and completing his degreee.

CW2 Carlton enlisted in the Army in 1999 as a motor transport operator (88M) with the 1st Armoured Division, with whom he deployed to Kosovo in support of peacekeeping operations across the country, as well as neighbouring Macedonia. Later on in his career on his last deployment to Afghanistan, he was injured by an Improvised Explosive Devise, which resulted in the loss of his left leg (above the knee), and also caused severe damage to his right leg. He is currently undergoing physical therapy in San Antonio, TX and preparing for transition from the military. He will be competing in Athletics, Cycling, Wheelchair Basketball and Sitting Volleyball.

Jim Castaneda joined the Navy in 1990, he wasn’t expecting to make it his career, but stayed because he enjoyed the tempo of military service. He suffered a stroke in 2007 which has led to him suffering from various side effects. Jim is proud to be representing the United States in the Navy team at the Invictus Games; he will be competing in Archery and Athletics.

MAJ Castro enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1988. Ivan was injured on 2nd September 2006, while serving as a First Lieutenant with the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Castro sustained life threatening injuries and was blinded in both eyes when mortar shells landed near him, killing two men in his unit. Castro continues to serve on active duty, and is looking forward to competing in Athletics and Indoor Rowing.

John-James Chalmers, known as JJ served in Helmand Province Afghanistan, as a Marine Reservist with the 42 Commando. In May 2011 JJ was seriously injured by an IED, which claimed the lives of two of his colleagues. The blast from the explosive left him with injuries to his face, legs and arms. JJ had to undergo facial reconstruction and surgey to his left eye and both legs. Since then he has immersed himself in the world of sport and has not let his injuries hold him back. JJ will be representing the British Armed Forces team in Athletics and Cycling.

For former U.S. Army armaments specialist Shawn Cheshire, participating in the Invictus Games is a “chance of a lifetime” and ranks “second best to serving in the military.” She said she “gets goose bumps just thinking about representing the United States” and competing against warrior athletes from around the world. Cheshire’s journey to these games began in 2009. While working as an emergency medical technician, she fell while carrying a patient to the ambulance and hit her head, resulting in a complete loss of vision, as well as confidence. She made a choice to overcome her fear and step into the world of adaptive sports. “Adaptive reconditioning has given me a focus to get out of bed and to the gym to train. I am in better shape, which helps me to feel confident,” she said. She is looking forward to compete in the Cycling during the Games.

Jimsher Chkhenkeli was wounded in a bomb shell explosion, while he was providing first hand assistance to an injured soldier during the 2008 August war. This resulted in his right leg being amputated. Previous sporting achievements for him have included a Silver medal in Shooting at 2014 National Championships of Georgia. He will be competing in Archery and Sitting Volleyball.

Sgt. Clark enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 2004 and was deployed to Iraq twice, first in March 2006 and again in October 2007. Sgt. Clark was deployed a third time with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Force but was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Degenerative Back Disease. Jesse will be competing for gold in Cycling, Archery, Sitting Volleyball.

Adam Clark was injured during his service with the Royal Marines. The injuries he sufferd were Cam Deformity, Hip Impingement and a Leberal Tear. Since then, he has used the power of sport to help with his rehabilitation and will be representing the British Armed Forces in Cycling.