JJ Chalmers reveals Invictus memories from London 2014 to latest Games in Canada

He's one of the leading faces in the history of the Invictus Games, going from competitor to host, and now JJ Chalmers has revealed his Invictus memories to BFBS Sport.

TV presenter Chalmers has become a staple of sports coverage – from hosting the 2016 Rio Paralympics to the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games and being part of the Paris Olympics coverage last year.

The former Royal Marines Commando, who has also presented BFBS Forces News' Army v Navy coverage, began his remarkable journey to becoming an established face on TV after narrowly surviving an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2011.

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The blast killed two of his comrades, with JJ breaking his neck, losing two fingers and shattering his right elbow – surviving after a complex operation that involved him having his arm briefly sewn to his abdomen.

His recovery led him to the 2014 Invictus Games in London where he won a gold medal for the Men's IRecB1 Recumbent Circuit Race and a bronze in both non-amputee Cycling, in the one-mile Time Trial and the 4×100m Mixed Relay race.

His time at Invictus has since been in a broadcasting capacity - but what are his favourite Invictus memories?

'Powerful' London 2014 is his favourite

He's been part of Invictus broadcasting teams since 2017, but his first experience of the Games was as a competitor in 2014.

"They're all unique is what I would say. It's not that one is better than the other, although clearly, London 2014 was the best!," said Chalmers.

"We had an idea of how special it could be and it way exceeded our expectations. I think that probably started at the opening ceremony.

"Walking into the Olympic Park and there being thousands and thousands of people there. We had banged the drum and we were trying to get people to come to it sure, but we just didn't know if anyone would come or if anyone cared.

"When someone does show their appreciation through a moment like that, of course it's powerful."

The event in London was the start of a pathway to success for a number of names that are now synonymous with Invictus such as Dave Henson, Andy Grant and Joe Townsend.

Chalmers spoke about the enticing unknown of the future driving them forward.

He said: "None of us really knew what could come from it. I was interviewed on the first day at the athletics because we didn't know if there was going to be another Games. 

"It's in the BBC archive and we get it out every so often. I say we don't know if there'll be another Invictus and we don't know what the future of it is but look at this. Look at these crowds. Why would this ever go away?"

Comparisons with Paralympic Games and why Invictus is different

Over the years, many have compared the Invictus Games with the Paralympic Games.

Both are international multi-sport events, but they are intended for different groups of people. The Invictus Games are for wounded and injured service personnel, while the Paralympics are for athletes with disabilities. 

However, the journey that many Invictus athletes have taken in their recovery has included competing on a Paralympic stage.

"The interesting thing is the Paralympic Games was born in the exact same way as Invictus was," said the presenter.

"It was a sports competition for the rehabilitation of wounded and sick from WWII. It then had a pathway to grow to become the Paralympics.

"Therefore, Invictus can't grow to become the Paralympics because it already exists. It can stay doing its sole function.

"Of course, people want to win medals at these things. We're competitive people. It's not the medals have become less important but they've become less of a focus. The community has become the focus."

Getting Invictus back to the UK for Birmingham 2027

The eighth Invictus Games will see a return to British shores for the first time since 2014 as Birmingham takes its place as host city.

For many who were involved in the London Games like Chalmers, it's exciting to return to the UK.

He said: "To see it back in the UK is amazing. It's a really lovely full-circle thing but Birmingham in particular.

"It's a city that I woke up from a coma from when I was wounded in Afghanistan. I'd never really been to Birmingham before but next thing you know, I'd been there a week before I even knew it.

"That hospital, the Queen Elizabeth, saved my life. It's absolutely one of the most important symbols in my life.

"For so many people, to come to Birmingham for Invictus, it allows them to close a chapter in their life."