Hunter local embraces return to sport through Invictus Games
Bilateral cartilage issues in both knees and multiple musculoskeletal injuries prematurely ended Callan McLean’s naval career and recreational sporting pursuits in 2023.
However, thanks to the Invictus Games and his introduction to adaptive sports, his dreams to re-engage with sport for physical and mental vitality have become a reality.
And much to the former maritime logistics chef and physical training instructor’s surprise, he will once again represent his country on the world stage.
Come February, Callan will join 32 other Australian servicemen and women – both current and former serving – as a member of Team Australia at Invictus Games Vancouver, Whistler 2025.
“I wasn’t overly confident about being interviewed, let alone being selected, to be honest,” confided Callan, who now works in the health and safety field in the Hunter Valley.
“I have struggled quite a lot adjusting to civilian life and find it hard to assimilate with people who haven't had any sort of military experience or who don't understand the military.
“For me, being back in an environment with people in a similar position or of a similar background was my main motivation.
“I wanted a mindset change to apply to my life and to try and point my rehab in a better direction. I think I came out of the service quite defeated in my approach to physical activity and sport because of my injury.
“Already this experience has given me a very different perspective in terms of my ability, not only in competing or partaking in adaptive sport, but also in my approach to how I view sport, fitness and physical activity in relation to my mental health."
With swimming, biathlon, sitting volleyball and wheelchair rugby on his calendar for the games in Vancouver, the 29-year-old volleyball team captain, is relishing his return to a competitive physical environment with likeminded people.
“Our team is made up of people who all work on the same wavelength. Even though everybody has their own physical and mental injuries or conditions, we’ve been able to train together and get to know each other,” Callan said.
“Sure, it will be physically and mentally challenging. Getting myself to the point where I can compete with everybody else and feel comfortable doing so, is probably the most exciting part for me.”
Just as exciting for this devoted family man is knowing his wife Shana, sons Xavier (almost 3) and Charles (nearly 7 months), and family friend Isabella will be watching from the stands.
“I'm obviously quite proud of the fact that I served in the Navy, but to be able to talk about this experience with my boys in the future will be awesome,” Callan said.
“I think being able to look back on this whole thing and use it as an example as a father would be quite valuable.
“You know, not everything is going to work out in life sometimes, and that’s okay.
“But those conversations are still a long way off at the moment. My nearly three-year-old is just so excited to be going on an airplane. That’ll probably be his biggest memory from this.”
The Australian Defence Force is partnering with Invictus Australia to support the Australian team as they take part in 11 adaptive sports over eight competition days from February 8 to 16 as part of Invictus Games Vancouver, Whistler 2025.
