Recovery and Rehabilitation On the Snows of Norway: A Healing Invictus Adventure

The Sjusjøen Loppet is a long-distance cross-country ski race, typically covering challenging terrain and varying distances, focused on endurance and participation as much as competition and was the subject of a transformative Invictus Adventure in Norway last week.

Op Base Camp brought 11 members of the Invictus Community together in Norway for a deeply meaningful event set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic winter landscapes.

This Invictus Adventure was far more than a physical challenge. It became a powerful continuation of recovery, identity, and self-belief, supported by the Invictus Games Foundation's Beyond the Games programme.

Throughout the week, participants reflected on an experience that redefined their understanding of possibility and helped them further along on their recovery journeys.

For Maksym Zubov, who was injured while finding in the Ukraine-Russian War, the camp marked a turning point in his recovery journey.

“It was an incredible experience for me. After my injury, I thought Nordic skiing wasn’t for me - that I wouldn’t be able to do it. But I was wrong. The training during the camp was amazing," Maksym said.

He said that it "truly restored my belief in my own abilities".

Maksym was a Paratrooper in the Ukrainian Army but found it difficult to adjust after his service ended, feeling that he would quit many things.

He feels despite his injuries he can do more, "through hard work, sweat, and tears, I can do more. I came back from this camp a completely different person."

For Hayley Thompson, this Invictus Adventure helped her recovery in many different areas.

“The activity has contributed positively to my recovery and rehabilitation. It has helped improve my strength, mobility, and confidence in performing movements, while also reducing discomfort over time."

"Completing the race without support, which I did not think was possible at the start, meant a lot. The support from the coaches throughout was exceptional. I learnt how to ski, and I also learnt that I can achieve anything with support.”

For many, the experience of being part of a supportive community was just as significant as the physical achievement and for Chelsea Poole it was her first ever experience with the Invictus Community, she described as "transformative".

“This camp helped me remind myself what was possible. I accomplished far more than I ever thought possible thanks to the extraordinary staff and the people who took part alongside me.

"I moved just a little bit more towards Invictus. I’ve learned that I can do way more than I thought with the right support, and the importance of vulnerability in allowing others to help me.

"I’m blown away by the programme, the people, and this experience,” Chelsea concluded.

The impact of the camp also extended beyond personal recovery, inspiring participants to support and uplift others, especially for Mattia dal Pastro, an Invictus Games alumni, participant in numerous Invictus Adventures and just recently a Paralympian, this experience reinforced his sense of purpose.

“My goal to help others and inspire them was achieved. I made amazing new friends, and it was incredible to share skiing with Colombians. I realised I’d like to help others develop their skills.”

Helen Baker described the camp as a defining moment in her recovery journey, highlighting the importance of support, structure, and belief in the process.

"This has been the most amazing opportunity that has given me a new found identity and purpose. I was feeling low and uncertain before I went, now I’m focused on new goals, including applying for the Invictus Games. I’ve come away more confident and positive about the future," Helen said.

She added: “From the first meeting, the team made us feel worthy of being there. The coaches were supportive and encouraging throughout. The Loppet itself was a highlight, despite the weather. I’ve learned to believe in myself more, that age is only a number, and that despite my injuries and challenges I can still achieve success.”

Across all reflections, it was plain to see the incredible progress they made on this Invictus Adventure and reinforces the purpose of the Beyond the Games programme, recovery does not stop at the Invictus Games, it is an continuous journey and we will continue to provide more opportunities like the Sjusjøen Loppet through the We Are Invictus platform.