The gold, silver and bronze medals have been revealed for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
The medals have been skilfully produced by the Royal Australian Mint, an Official Supporter of the 2018 Games. Golden Wattle, Australia’s national floral emblem, adorns the medals giving them a distinctly Australian look.
Royal Australian Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid spoke of the significance behind the design.
“Golden Wattle inspires Australia’s national colours, decorates Australian National Honours and is incorporated in the Australian Coat of Arms,” said Mr MacDiarmid.
“Golden Wattle also blooms in spring in Australia, the same time of year Invictus Games Sydney 2018 is held.
“The Royal Australian Mint is incredibly proud to have produced the medals for the inspirational individuals who will compete at this year’s Invictus Games. Every medal has been individually pressed and every ribbon hand-sewn to ensure they are of the highest quality,” he said.
In keeping with past Invictus Games medals, the medals have a bright yellow ribbon and feature the words of the Invictus Games motto from William Ernest Henley’s poem Invictus.
“Medals can symbolise a goal,” said Ian Thorpe, who first witnessed the Games’ unique power to inspire recovery at the Invictus Games in Orlando 2016.
“Motivating individuals to improve themselves, to push themselves a little further each training session and to beat their personal best.”
“While the individuals who take part in these Games are competitive, the Invictus Games is unique in that you won’t see a medal tally for each nation. Rather, the medals symbolise each individuals journey to these Games, and the hurdles they have overcome to put their hand up for the opportunity and train alongside their comrades,” he said.
Nicole Bradley, Co-captain of the 2018 Australian Invictus Games Team, joined team members Kevin Jacoby and Carrie-Anne Bishop to reveal the medals.
Nicole served as a Logistics Officer in the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers before being discharged in 2015. Nicole has a foot condition that causes daily discomfort extending up her lower limbs. More recently she has experienced two deep vein thrombosis events that have resulted in blocked veins.
Nicole will be competing in athletics and powerlifting and credits both her physical and mental recovery on her regular participation in sport.
“Since taking up powerlifting, my symptoms have largely dissipated. I now have a much greater awareness of my body and can feel the imbalances that present and can seek attention to get things resolved,” said Bradley.
“Going to the gym keeps my emotions in check and has increased my interest in physical activity and its relationship to better mental health. It’s also been about getting back in touch with the veteran community and feeling at ease with myself.
“Seeing these medals here today brings to life all that we have been working towards. These medals have been the goal and I have some personal bests in mind to achieve at the Games that will certainly be a significant milestone if it all works out. But being part of the team is a big part of winning for me,” she said.
500 competitors from 18 nations will contest medals in 11 medal sports in Sydney from 20-27 October 2018.
The events will be staged across Greater Sydney, including at Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour, with the Opening Ceremony to be held at the Sydney Opera House.
With under 50 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Games, and 75 percent of tickets already sold, the public are being urged to get in quick so not to miss out.
Be inspired. Be entertained. Be there. Get your tickets today.