Annie Devine was medically discharged from the RAF in March 2012. She already had an interest in wheelchair sports, but it was at Tedworth House Recovery Centre that she was encouraged to try Wheelchair Rugby, Rowing and then Sitting Volleyball. She became a keen lover of sports enjoying the way it kept her mobile and meeting like minded people. Devine will be representing the British Armed Forces team in Wheelchair Rugby.

Xavier Le Draoulec was injured during serving in the Marine troops, which resulted in his lower left leg being amputated. He is looking forward to the Games because they “will have a global benefit, but especially in every army, to be known and recognised “as a whole” person, giving a new look at the wounded world.” He will be competing in Swimming, Archery and Athletics.

Ching enlisted in 1998, her aim was to see the world and receive an education along the way. She has had numerous posts over the years, ranging from the USS Tarawa (an amphibious assault ship) to the 37th light helicopter squadron. In 2009 she was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, in 2012 she received a bone marrow transplant. During her treatment she was promoted to Chief Petty Officer and has since then worked hard to remain on active duty. She will be competing in Cycling, Rowing and Athletics.

Patrick Dubiel was injured in a motorcyle accident when serving in the Guards Battalion. This resulted in paralysis of his left brachial plexus, multiple fractures to his right leg and compartment syndrom. Through Dubiel’s recovery he found a love for Swimming and Athletics, which he will be competing for Gold in during the Games.

Two-time Warrior Games medalist, Lt. Col. Dudek, is as competitive on land as he is in water. Dudek has participated in a variety of adaptive reconditioning activities, including hand-cycle races, triathlons and two Army Ten-Milers.“Adaptive reconditioning opened my eyes to what other injured veterans and athletes are doing, and it showed me that I can do anything,” said Dudek. While serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007, Dudek sustained a spinal cord injury from an explosive-formed penetrating improvised device. As one of 22 athletes representing the United States Army at the Invictus Games, in Swimming and Cycling, Dudek says, “This opportunity lets me continue to serve and make my country proud.”

Corporal  Carolyn Dufley suffered a severe spinal cord injury during an international Judo match in the USA. Since then she has suffered with debilitating pain and loss of movement. During her recovery process Dufley discovered a passion for Wheelchair Rugby, Sitting Volleyball and Powerlifting through the Help for Heroes Sports Recovery Program. She will be representing the British Armed Forces in Powerlifting.

As a seasoned Warrior Games and Valor Games athlete, Staff Sgt. Carlton Duncan is one step closer to his long-term goal: “I would like to compete in track and cycling at the Olympics,” said Duncan. “I have been training ever since I was assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit two years ago.” Duncan suffered neck, shoulder and back injuries and sustained a traumatic brain injury after his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device while deployed in Iraq. Adaptive reconditioning has given Duncan the opportunity to be back on a team.“Representing the United States at the Invictus Games symbolizes just what it means to be an American soldier; resilient and steadfast,” said Duncan. “It is also a chance to show fellow service members that are recovering from their sacrifices for freedom that they will not be forgotten and that they too can do the unthinkable.”

During 2012, Johnny Duncan was left with ten per cent permanent disablement to his right leg from muscle loss, after being shot in Afghanistan. Johnny has served in the Armoured Corps for 21 years, and is now instructing at the Officer Cadet School. He will be competing in Archery, Indoor Rowing, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby.

In 2008 Michael Ebersoldt was wounded in action by a suicide bomber. Since then he has used sport “to take my mind off the things that had happened, sport is the best possibility. It helps me to accept my injuries and to calm down.” Ebersoldt will be competing in Swimming, Cycling, Archery and Athletics during the Games.

Lieutenant John Edmonston had always been interested in a military career, he joined up whilst he was attending University. After finishing the Navy’s nuclear engineering program he was posted on the USS John C. Stennis, a Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier. In 2009 John suffered a Traumatic Brain injury and broke his arm, face and back when he lost control of his motorcycle. Edmonston quoted that he is “proud to put on the red, white and blue” to represent his country at the Invictus Games. He will be competing in Sitting Volleyball, Swimming and Athletics.

Following an injury in Iraq, Claire Edwards was medically discharged from the army after 18 years of service. Edwards was in the Royal Corps Signal since the age of 20 and was injured early in a tour of Afghanistan. The injury left her with a shattered pelvis, left femur and sciatic nerve damage. Over the past 7 years she has had multiple reconstruction operations and the power of sport has played a key element of helping her recover. Claire will be representing the British Armed Forces team in Cycling.

Lewis Edwards was travelling back to camp on 8 May 2007 when he was involved in a road traffic accident. Avoiding an animal that had run into the road, his car spun out of control and flipped over. His right arm had to be amputated above the elbow as a result. Since then Edwards has become a keen swimmer and will be representing the British Armed Forces in Swimming.

Bruce Ekman suffered an injury to his foot during service with the Army. As part of his recovery process Ekman took up track sports and is now representing the British Armed Forces in Athletics.