Throughout his 27-year career as a Canadian Forces Combat Diver, Alin Mirea has sustained many injuries, but his belief in making each day just a bit better than the last kept him going. When his friends told him about the Invictus Games he thought, “Why not? When will I ever get the chance to do this again?” And that’s why we’ll be seeing him in Whistler this February.
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, presented by ATCO and Boeing, are happening February 8 to 16, 2025, bringing together up to 553 competitors from up to 23 nations to compete in adaptive sports. Established by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, in 2014, the Invictus Games support the recovery and rehabilitation of international, wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through sport.
For the first time, the games will include the new winter sports of Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, Biathlon, Nordic Skiing, Skeleton and Wheelchair Curling, in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of Indoor Rowing, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby.
Alin is competing in alpine skiing, skeleton, swimming and indoor rowing and we chatted with him about the upcoming games, what it feels like to be part of Invictus and where to get good pizza in Whistler.
Why Did You Choose Alpine Skiing and Skeleton?
Invictus is supportive of your sport choice. You can have done the sport all your life or you might never have had the opportunity and the games give you that chance. Being part of Team Canada is an amazing honour. I’m actually being released from the military on March 28 this year. It’s an emotional time and this is a unique experience that I’m incredibly grateful for.
I’ve skied on the local hills around Montreal and Quebec, but not at a competitive level. I came to Whistler for the first time last February for training camp one. It was a beautiful day, the sun was out, and the drive up the Sea to Sky Highway was just incredible. I was back earlier this month for training camp three. The conditions were great and we got the chance to practice our drills and skills. The instructors are amazing and I’m feeling confident.
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What’s Skeleton Like?
It’s fast, furious and unforgettable.
It’s not as scary as it seems and once you’ve done it, you’re all smiles. Our instructor told us to be like a sack of potatoes and it’s true! You have to be relaxed. You don’t have much influence and the more tense you are, the worse it is.
What’s it Like to be on Team Canada?
This is my 27th year in the military and I’ve had a very specific job role throughout. I knew other trades existed, but I wasn’t that exposed to them and the different mentalities they require. Team Canada is very eclectic, it’s made up of people from all kinds of military backgrounds, and everyone has their own stories and advice.
We’re used to wearing a flag on our shoulders. When we go overseas, we represent Canada, we’re doing our jobs. But during Invictus, I will get to represent Canada in a different way. My role is to compete but it’s so much more than that.
What Do You Think the Power of Sport is?
You can’t separate the mental from the physical. Progression isn’t always as we imagine, it has ups and downs versus a straight line.
You have to try something. With sports, you make incremental changes every day and by addressing the physical part, you address the mental part too.
Sports can bring structure. I have a training plan and a specific schedule. More importantly, I have a goal and objective. By representing Team Canada, I aim to help my immediate teammates, along with whoever reads things like this or watches us compete. If just one person is inspired, if they look at what I’m doing and think; if that guy can do it, I can do it too, then I’m happy.
What Do You Want People to Take Away from Invictus?
Everybody is going through something.
The Invictus Games and Solider On allow us to progress in our journey via the power of sport. If you’re going through some stuff, I hope today is better than yesterday and tomorrow is even better. It’s not always easy, but you have to try something. Focus on doing the next right thing for you.
Is Your Family Travelling With You?
My daughter, Lea (17) and son, Mathias (14) are coming with me; they’re troublemakers, haha! I’m feeling the spectrum of emotions thinking about them being there. I’m overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. My cup is full. My heart is full.
What Else Are You Doing While You’re in Whistler?
I’d like to experience the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. I haven’t had the time to do it even though I’ve been to Whistler twice! I want to walk around Whistler Village, be a tourist and find a good pizza spot.
Read our dedicated blog for more details on what’s happening in Whistler during the Invictus Games. Our landing page has further details and the schedule of events. Let’s cheer on these incredible athletes!!!
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