Fifty competitors make up Team U.S., which is competing along with 22 other nations in the 2025 Invictus Games. Throughout the competition, events will take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, from Feb. 8-16, 2025. The competition includes 11 different events, including six adaptive winter sports, the first year that winter-specific sports have been part of the Invictus Games competition.
The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and ill active duty and veteran military personnel. The Games use the power of sport to support recovery, rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. The Invictus Games, like the DoD Warrior Games, are designed to enhance recovery by engaging wounded, ill, and injured service members outside of traditional therapy settings.
(U.S. Army photo by Michel Sauret) VIEW ORIGINAL
Coach Steve Bortle answers questions at a morning session before a track work out with Soldier athletes at the 2025 Army Trials on Fort Bliss Texas, April 7, 2025. VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT BLISS, Texas - Former Team Army and Team U.S. decorated athlete, Ret. Army Capt. Steve Bortle has a new mission in retirement. He is the new track coach for Team Army and brings his wealth of knowledge, along with some hard facts, to hammer home with the Soldier Athletes at the 2025 Army Trials. “Unless someone is there, forcing them to do something, they may think, 'I can relax today and take my foot off the gas.’ Don't take your foot off the gas! The athletes have to make the right decision. It's about discipline," said Bortle, who served nearly 20 years in the Hawaii National Guard.
Staying warmed up is one of his best pieces of advice. "We're going to do a warmup together because we have the whole track, and no one else is there. I want them to know that at Warrior Games, that's hard because there isn't a warmup track, and if you're not competing until later on in that morning or later that day, your muscles are sitting cold, and you have to be disciplined or know how to warm up on your own. We will go over that,” said Bortle who competed at the 2015, 2018 and 2024 Warrior Games as well as on Team US at Invictus in Sydney and the Winter Games in Canada in February.
Next is his biggest golden nugget. "I am big on nutrition. I coach track and cross country at the high school where I work. It's just one of those things; you need to get some food. As a Soldier Athlete, you don't want to run to the PX and get burgers, fried chicken, or whatever. It's not the healthiest option. I will cover what good fuel is for your body."
Having the right mindset when competing is just as important, and Bortle shares how he prepared mentally for the 2018 Invictus Games in Australia. “Regarding sports psychology aspects, when I attended the regionals in 2017, I was already focused on improving to the point where I could make the Invictus Team for 2018, and that became my primary goal. Everything I was doing was related to the point that I went and bought a cologne they make called Invictus, and I had motivational music to help me too,” he said laughing.
Bortle is clear he loves helping Soldiers. This mission is essential to him as he wants to help in their current and future situations. "I want to share how to plan beyond trials and the Warrior Games. If you're selected for the games, that's great, focus on the games. I want them to know how challenging and physically draining and stressful it can be, but we'll help you get prepared. If you don't make the team, this is all useful help beyond the games."
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