Australia

Brooke Mead

Brooke Mead enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 18, and soon after, she was deployed to Operation Resolute, taking part in missions to recover the bodies of asylum seekers.

Unfortunately, her career in the Armed Forces was cut short when she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and experienced a spinal cord injury, leading to her medical discharge.

However, Brooke’s most challenging battles lay ahead of her and in an effort to enhance her physical and mental well-being, she turned to sports, recognising the need for a goal.

In May 2021 she applied to compete at the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023, hoping to find purpose and motivation through competition. Since then, Brooke has shed 50 kilograms and rehabilitated her spinal cord injury so well that they recently removed her spinal cord stimulator.

During her ongoing recovery, Brooke has discovered a passion for supporting fellow veterans, promoting sports as a catalyst for healing and she finds deep fulfilment in motivating others on their journey towards healing.

"

Through the Invictus Games Foundation, I have connected with a supportive community and embarked on an Invictus Adventure that challenged me physically and unearthed newfound inner resilience."

Selected to compete at the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.

Indoor Rowing, Powerlifting, and Table Tennis.

Took part in the Invictus Adventure to compete at the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Championships.

Feels that she re-discovered herself on her journey to the Invictus Games.

Supported on her journey by her husband and son

Vanessa Broughill

Vanessa Broughill was struggling with her mental health for a long time and she always struggled to pinpoint what exactly was the answer to her issues and seemed to accept the fact that life just threw a lot of challenges at her.

She is the fourth generation of her family to join the Australian Military and loved the adventure it provided.

"My favourite memories are the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, where the ocean stretches out from the boat as far as the eye can see. And the swimming stations, where we stopped in the middle of the ocean to jump off and have a swim."

Vanessa became accustomed to the rigid routine of military life and found it difficult to mentally adjust to civilian life and a recurring shoulder injury began to cause her serious pain.

She labelled herself as "crippled" by her anxiety and depression but credits her selection for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, as the catalyst for the change that she needed on her recovery journey.

Now, she has competed at two Games in front of her friends and family, including her husband Craig and three children and has found the balance her life needed and is encouraging others to open up and share their stories.

"

Invictus gave me a reason to leave the house. It gave me a reason to overcome my anxiety and socialise. It gave me a reason to go to the gym. And in turn, I’ve been able to show my three children and my husband that I can be strong again."

Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and The Hague 2020

Athletics, Cycling, Powerlifting and Swimming

Served in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, and Navy Reserves

Wants others to share their stories of recovery

Followed in the footsteps of her parents, grandparents and great grandparents in joining the military.

Brigid Baker

Brigid Baker enlisted in 2002 as a General Army Reserve Combat Med-Assist. She went full-time in 2005 and was commissioned into the Australian Intelligence Corps in 2006. Brigid participated in many national and international exercises and deployed to Afghanistan several times before being medically discharged with PTSD in 2017.

Brigid is still going through the injury recognition process; she also suffers from severe anxiety, major depressive disorder, hearing loss, degenerative disc disorder and a number of other physical disabilities.

At the Games in Sydney, she took part in powerlifting, shot put and discus. Following the Games, Brigid continued with throwing and joined the local Masters Athletics Club, competing in state and national competitions. In 2019, she won the Australian 30-39 year old women's shot put. She has taken up indoor rowing, swimming and wheelchair rugby league and is part of the first Australian Capital Territory Wheelchair Rugby League programme.

Having these opportunities has reinvigorated her. "I have had great difficulty since being discharged and finding a place to belong again. This experience has given me the courage to get out there again and find enjoyment in things once more."

Providing Purpose

It is an unspoken understanding that the focus is not on the medal or places, but rather the support, friendship and guidance you can share amongst one another"

Enlisted as a General Army Reserve Combat Med-Assist.

Medically discharged with PTSD

Took part in powerlifting, shotput and discus.

Won Australian 30-39 year old women's shot put

Wheelchair Rugby League, alongside indoor rowing and swimming