Jaco van Biljon is struggling to believe his moment in the Invictus Games spotlight is just one week away.

But as the former army corporal prepares for the biggest moment of his sporting life, the determination to make it a memorable experience could not be any higher.

The Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, is an international adaptive multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry, in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans take part in a multitude of sports.

Just 14 months have passed since van Biljon was medically discharged, regaining confidence in his abilities and pushing himself further than he thought possible.

Now all that will come to a head in Sydney on October 20, taking part in rowing, swimming and powerlifting events – a moment he never thought possible after his back gave way while serving his country.

“I’m very excited, still very nervous and still not quite believing I’ll be going to the Invictus Games,” said van Biljon, who was competing in the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, where Invictus Games competitors had the opportunity to be selected to represent their nation in the event in Sydney.

“We got some of our kit delivered and that was the moment for me that helped me realise, but in the back of your mind it always remains surreal.

“I’m so excited about the journey, Invictus has already changed my life so much and I’m excited to see how much further that goes when we’re out in Sydney.

“The moment you get to the airport and you have everyone there, it will be amazing and I’m so excited for every bit of it.

“A medal would be nice, but I want to walk off that stage and know there was nothing more I could have done – if that gets me a medal then it’s a bonus.

“I’d hate myself if I walked off and thought I could have gone a little bit faster, I’ve done what I can up until now and I just need to keep doing what I’ve been doing.”

Van Biljon is no stranger to multi-event competition having competed in the Warrior Games last year, a far cry from a time when he was bed-ridden after back injuries left him immobile.

It rendered him unable to complete his day-to-day job, needing something to fill the void left by his inactivity.

That’s where the Invictus Games stepped in, though the former corporal was as surprised as anyone that he could transfer his abilities to a sporting environment.

“I’d never really competed until I got involved but Help for Heroes was a big part of all this, they encourage you to try different things, but they do so in a safe and inductive manner,” the South African added.

“I used to do bodybuilding before the military so after my injury, I just did swimming because I didn’t think powerlifting was an option – I never thought rowing was an option either.

“But we had this ‘give it a go’ mentality, I tried loads of different things but with powerlifting, I felt safe and people around me who were there for my best interests.

“But this changed my life, recovery through sport has made all the difference. You’re encouraged to do so many different things and that was amazing.

“With Invictus, it can be daunting because it’s a massive event whereas the Warriors got me ready and I know what to expect – that won’t bother me too much.”

Jaguar Land Rover is the Presenting Partner of the Invictus Games, which takes place in Sydney, Australia from the 20th to 27th of October 2018. Jaguar Land Rover is using this year’s Invictus Games to lead and inform the debate on future mobility, and how its future technology could help people’s lives.