Meet the Medalists: Stories of Resilience and Triumph at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
On February 13, 2025, the Vancouver Convention Centre hosted a Meet the Medalists session at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. The event featured inspiring stories from competitors Kyle Burgess of Team UK, Captain Olivia Miley-Dyer of Team Australia, and Major Ashley Christman of Team USA.
Each competitor shared their journey to the Games—stories of perseverance, resilience, and personal triumph that define the Invictus spirit.
Kyle Burgess – Team UK
A former British Army soldier, Kyle Burgess found purpose and healing through adaptive sports after struggling with his identity post-service. He turned to snowboarding as part of his recovery, a passion that led him to compete in multiple events at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
Kyle participated in Men’s Intermediate-Advanced ISB5 – Open & MFI Alpine Snowboarding, ISK3 Single Run Skeleton, and was a key player on the Team UK Wheelchair Basketball Team. His dedication paid off when he secured a silver medal in the men’s open snowboarding category.
Beyond competition, Kyle is a mental health advocate and snowboarding coach, using his platform to inspire others. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized the importance of community, sport, and resilience in recovery.
Captain Olivia Miley-Dyer – Team Australia
Captain Olivia Miley-Dyer made history by winning Australia’s first-ever medal of the Games—and its first-ever Nordic skiing medal at the Invictus Games, a gold that symbolized not just her success, but the strength of her team. She followed up with a silver and bronze in swimming, achieving a full set of medals at the Games.
Despite her impressive achievements, Olivia entered the Games with uncertainty. She has been undergoing treatment for cancer and initially doubted whether she could compete at a high level. However, she found strength in the Invictus community, the support of her teammates, and the thrill of trying new sports—many of which she had never attempted before.
Growing up in Sydney, Australia, near Bronte Beach, Olivia had never been to the snow until being selected for the Games. She discovered Nordic skiing through Invictus, an opportunity that helped her find new purpose after having to give up surfing due to her condition.
For Olivia, swimming has played a vital role in her rehabilitation, helping her rebuild lung capacity and manage pain. More than just a physical outlet, the Games have also helped her reconnect with the military community, something she deeply missed after spending long periods isolated in hospitals.
Her message to others considering the Invictus Games?
“You don’t have to be at the end of your rehab journey to apply—you don’t have to be super fit. This is about rebuilding and recovery, not about being an Olympian.”
Major Ashley Christman – Team USA
A decorated Marine with 17 years of service, Major Ashley Christman faced an unimaginable challenge: a diagnosis of advanced stage four neuroendocrine cancer, likely caused by toxic exposure during her deployments. Despite this, she continues to fight with determination, using sport as a tool for resilience.
At the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, Ashley embraced competition while balancing ongoing treatment. She found strength in her two families: her biological family and the Marine Corps, both of which provide her with unwavering support.
Speaking at the Meet the Medalists event, she reflected on the meaning of resilience:
“Living like I’m thriving, living like I’m living and looking forward to what comes next.”
Ashley emphasized that resilience is not about being strong all the time, but about pushing forward despite the obstacles. Her journey—both on and off the competition field—has become a beacon of hope for those facing physical and emotional battles.
A Message of Strength and Belonging
In their closing remarks, the medalists left the audience with a powerful statement:
“You deserve to be here. You have served your country. You deserve to be looked after.”
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 continues to showcase the unbreakable spirit of its competitors, reminding us all of the power of sport, community, and resilience.
