So when the time came to seek a new challenge after a year in information technology, he knew exactly where to turn.

"I went to army recruiting and found a role in telecommunications I thought looked pretty interesting. I was able to do it outside and I wasn't stuck in an office building all day," Darcy said.

Today he is a Corporal in the Royal Australia Corps of Signals - and if that's not enough, his career change 12 years ago may have laid the platform for an Olympic Games appearance.

Darcy's move into the army eventually brought with it knee injuries which would require back-to-back surgeries.

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It meant a 12-month rehabilitation period with no running or jumping, so Darcy found himself desperately searching for something to keep him active before turning to archery in 2013.

Which brings us to ANZAC Day, which is being spent far differently by those around the nation to ways they have grown accustomed.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced pubs and clubs running two-up games to shut their doors and the dawn service at the Australian War Memorial was held without a crowd.

So what has changed for Darcy? For one, he was supposed to be representing Australia in archery in Guatemala at a World Cup event this week.

"After the Rio Olympics, after I watched the guys perform really well over there, I started to really kick up into the next level with my training and I wanted to see how far I could push it," Darcy said.

"Throughout 2016-17, I worked really hard to get to that level. In 2018 was the first time I represented Australia, that was at the indoor world championships. I've represented Australia a few times since then.

"This Olympic cycle was the first time I've gone through the selection process. The male archery team has finished their selection process, I finished fourth and the top three go.

"It is a little bit disappointing but to be expected, the other guys are more experienced and they have been to multiple Games previously. This is my first time going through the process."

So instead of pulling on a green and gold kit on ANZAC Day, Darcy is opting his service uniform.

Dawn services may be cancelled but Darcy sees it as a chance to look out from his apartment balcony and reflect.

"ANZAC Day for me is obviously a day of remembrance and commemoration, and paying respects to the sacrifices of everyone who has served and come before us," Darcy said.

"On the other side of it, it's also acknowledging all of my colleagues who are currently serving. Veterans aren't just your elderly World War II and Vietnam war veterans.

"It's also the men and women who have been serving in the Middle East in more recent times, and other theatres of engagement.

"Not only that, our servicemen and women who have served in peacetime operations as well, which is just as important."