Invictus Games Athlete Profile – Brooke Mead

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Invictus Games 2023 Team Australia competitor Brooke Mead. Photo by Flight Sergeant Ricky Fuller.
Photos by Flight Sergeant Ricky Fuller.

ADF service: I joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Communication Information Systems Sailor at age 18 in 2012. As a Patrol Boat Sailor, I spent much of my service being deployed on Operation Resolute (Australia’s effort to protect our borders and offshore maritime interests). I was medically discharged in 2016.

Age: 29

Home town: Taree, New South Wales

Current town: North Brisbane, Queensland

Competing in: Indoor rowing, powerlifting and swimming

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression from body recoveries and search and rescues during my service. I suffered a spinal cord injury that deteriorated to the extent I required a spinal cord stimulator to be implanted.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? Sport has helped me regain control of my life and to realise my self-worth. Before returning to sport, I was on a path of self-destruction. Today, I can confidently say I am the best version of myself. For me, sport is non-negotiable and acts as a guiding compass towards achieving my goals and visions.

Sport background: Sport was the foundation of my childhood; I grew up playing netball, touch football and swimming. While I was serving, I was on the navy dragon boating team. I am now dedicated to CrossFit, strength training, and indoor rowing.

Why did you apply for Invictus Games? For the better part of a decade, the physical pain and mental anguish ensued from my injuries was debilitating. I allowed myself to employ a victim mentality, and my life was at a standstill; this was unacceptable. I needed a challenge so great that it would have the ability to change my life; for me, that would be the Invictus Games.

What will success look like for you at the Games? As I continue my ascent from rock bottom, I have given myself no option but to win. Success at the Invictus Games isn’t a gold medal, it is firmly believing I have been relentless in my pursuit for personal growth. I have failed at too many things in my life and I will not let this be another.

What does unconquered mean to you? Sometimes we lose ourselves for a while, and that’s okay; so long as we do not accept defeat, only then are we truly unconquered.

 

Invictus Games 2023 Team Australia competitor Brooke Mead. Photo by Flight Sergeant Ricky Fuller.
Invictus Games 2023 Team Australia competitor Brooke Mead. Photo by Flight Sergeant Ricky Fuller.


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Posted by Brian Hartigan

Managing Editor Contact Publishing Pty Ltd PO Box 3091 Minnamurra NSW 2533 AUSTRALIA

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