The incredible war heroes in Team UK at Prince Harry’s Winter Invictus Games in Canada

iconic Invictus Games, , has become a beacon of resilience, determination and hope since its inception in 2014. The heartwarming moments are endless, as well as the determination and grit shown on a global stage.

For two British veterans, eagerly competing for Team UK, and embarking on the journey to for this year’s , it’s more than just a competition; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the healing strength of sports through competitive teamwork.

Scott Robertson, 36, described his youth growing up as an “army child” moving from country to country and labelling his dad, who completed 50 years of service, as his “inspiration”. The Wolverhampton-based veteran joined the British Army in 2005 and went on to have a successful career in the Royal Signals reaching the rank of Sergeant.

He spent most of his career overseas in Germany and Cyprus and did two tours of where he was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.

But with the honour came struggles and setbacks. He painfully describes experiencing an “incredibly difficult” time on the frontline in Helmand Province, where troops were operating in support of the Afghan government against the Taliban.

Exclusively speaking to Express.co.uk, he recalls: “The most challenging aspect for me was the second tour of Afghanistan. I had not done much pre-deployment training, I was thrust into it, and we were the furthest front-line troops in Helmand Province. That tour was incredibly difficult as I had to learn so much so quickly.

“There were so many incidents that happened in my seven and a half months spent there. It was extremely difficult and led me to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and subsequently be discharged from service in 2019.”

Originally believing the Invictus Games was only for those with physical injuries, he was soon corrected by a fellow veteran and single-leg amputee who had previously competed.

He explained the Invictus Games could also help those with more ‘invisible’ conditions, such as . Scott admitted: “When you’re serving, you don’t think that you’ll have an injury or have a condition that might lead you to do the Invictus Games.”

’s passion project is a multinational adaptive sporting competition now involving 22 nations and 500 competitors. Scott was part of and is proud to have been selected again for the winter tournament taking place in Vancouver, Whistler, between February 8-16th.

To date, the Games have been held in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017), Sydney (2018), The Hague (2022), and Düsseldorf (2023).

Shocked at his own sporting ability in Germany, Scott competed in a multitude of sports including indoor rowing, swimming, sitting volleyball, and table tennis.

But a “gold-medal moment” for the veteran in Dusseldorf was narrowly missing out on a bronze medal in the Sitting Volleyball against Eastern Europeans, Georgia. For some, it would be a heart-breaking loss, but Scott looks back at the exact moment signifying how far he had come on his healing journey.

Scott said: “When we lost that final point, I saw the face of one of the Georgian men, and I saw what getting that medal meant to him. It’s indescribable to seeing tears falling. Knowing what that medal is going to do for him and for his recovery, I would take fourth place every time. I realised I had already recovered so much. That was my gold medal moment, coming fourth.”

Just in the space of two years, the husband and father of two, has come so far. When he first met in Germany, he suffered an anxiety attack on the plane and had a “mini breakdown” at the airport. He regrets not being able to engage in any conversation with the Duke of Sussex.

He said: “I was excited about meeting , but I was the only competitor who didn’t get pictures with him or have a conversation. He talked to every competitor. He’s one of us.”

In Canada, Scott will take part in the Biathlon, Indoor Rowing and Sitting Volleyball. He said: “I hope I get the chance to say thank you to him this time around…. I will always be grateful to him. He contributed to saving my life, and hundreds if not thousands of other lives through the games.”

Beyond the physical challenges, the offers a platform for healing, camaraderie, and inspiration. Scott hopes that by sharing his journey, he can encourage other veterans who may be struggling with their own recovery. His story being a reminder that while the battle may change, the warrior spirit remains unbroken.

And it all began on a trip to the , when gained the inspiration to see how the power of sport can help wounded service men and women – physically, psychologically and socially.

Harry spoke of his pride in the competitors in The Hague in the Netherlands during the closing ceremony. He ushered words of encouragement: “We, your friends and family, could not be prouder of who you are and what you represent, especially given what it’s taken to get here. Mindset is everything.”

Helping veterans prepare for the Games and focus on their recovery journey is the main ambition of The Royal British Legion who have been heavily involved in Team UK since 2016. This is the second year the charity is taking responsibility for funding and delivering the whole team, participants, family and friends to the Games alongside its partners the Ministry of Defence.

The Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Centre also uses adaptive sport and adventure activities to help improve confidence and positively impact mental health and wellbeing, helping people achieve their best possible recovery.

This year, UK viewers will be able to watch all the action as the to air nine highlight shows – including the opening ceremony which sees the likes of Katy Perry, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin performing and showing their unwavering support for the cause, and for the Duke.

Team UK Captain Steve ‘Hoops’ Hooper said of the broadcast deal: “It means so much to know the nation is behind us and our family and friends won’t miss a thing.”

Already a two-time medal winner and competing in her second Invictus Games is also Elisabeth ‘Liz’ Lee, 35, from Leicester, who served in the RAF for 11 years as a General Technician Mechanic having joined the military at the age of 18.

Medically discharged in 2018 because of a patellofemoral joint disorder, she developed depression and was experiencing severe headaches, body pain and fatigue which was eventually diagnosed as fibromyalgia. To combat her illness, Liz used sports as a way of managing symptoms.

In the next two weeks, she’ll be competing in the new winter sport, Alpine Snowboarding. Her late mother used to take her to Tamworth SnowDome in her younger years. She said: “My mum died after the Invictus Games a few weeks after we got back. Part of the reason I wanted to snowboard was to bring that [memory] back and for her to be part of my journey. I know when I’m snowboarding and I’m stood at the top, I’m going to be thinking I wish my mum could see this.”

As Scott, Lizz and Team UK’s 62 competitors board their flight to Canada, they carry with them not just their training and determination but also the unwavering support of family, friends, and fellow veterans. As family stand side by side with their loved ones, Scott will be joined by his wife and two boys, and Liz by her partner and partner’s brother.

Regardless of the number of medals won or lost, their journey to the Invictus Games is a victory in itself—a triumph of resilience, courage, and the unyielding human spirit. Before departing, Liz echoes a sentiment constantly relayed by “We may be different countries and different teams, but within Invictus, we are all one family.”