Invictus Games Return With U.S. Swimmers Coached by All-American Atiba Wade
The Invictus Games will make their return after two years of postponement because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fifth edition of the Games will begin April 16 in The Hague, Netherlands, and will see more than 500 athletes from 20 countries compete in a series of adaptive sports, including swimming.
The Invictus Games are designed for servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries. They were founded in 2013 by the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry. Invictus means “unconquered” and embodies the fighting spirit of the Games and its participants.
The U.S. swimming coach for the Games is former NCAA All-American Atiba Wade, who competed collegiately at the University of Georgia. Wade grew up swimming for the Philadelphia Department of Recreation (PDR) team under the legendary Jim Ellis. The story reached the mainstream after the movie “Pride” starring Terrence Howard as Ellis.
“Watching the athletes use swimming as both a journey and vehicle into their ‘new normal’ is what this sport and these Games are all about. I couldn’t be more happy and full of gratitude being a part of their experience,” Wade said.
Wade has been a trainer and coach since his swimming days, and has coached the Army’s Recovery Care Program (Wounded Warriors) since 2016 through a fellow University of Georgia swimmer, Bobby Brewer. He was chosen as head U.S. swimming coach for the 2022 Invictus Games.
“The skills in the pool that these wounded, injured and ill soldiers and veterans learn are designed to help them transition into their ‘new normal’ through sport,” Wade said. “The Invictus Games and these programs created for wounded, injured, and ill soldiers and veterans build camaraderie while inspiring everyone who witnesses these courageous men and women compete.”
There are 61 U.S. athletes headed to The Hague for the Games representing all branches of the military.