Lead Instructor’s Invictus Games Story… So Far!
If you are fortunate enough to meet our team, there would be no way of knowing that one of our members has been selected to compete in the 2025 Invictus Games! This is because, despite having many strings to her bow, Joanne, one of our Lead Instructors, never shouts about her achievements and is unashamedly unassuming.
We were therefore particularly appreciative of Joanne’s time as she kindly recounted her Invictus Games Journey which started back in 2020.
Joanne joined the Army at the age of seventeen and loyally served for 21 years; it’s fair to say military life was all she knew during her adult years.
As with many who serve, Joanne picked up some physical injuries throughout this time which understandably took its toll on her mental health. Knee and hip injuries meant Joanne was no longer able to serve at full capacity and, as anyone in the military knows, a strong body and mind – along with a high level of fitness – are required to be able to continue and progress in service. Joanne recalls,
“…when you lose this all in one as I did, I lost my identity my wellbeing and my purpose…”
Sadly, due to these injuries, Joanne was released from the Army on medical grounds, aged 38. Not only was Joanne suffering with lifelong injuries, but she also now felt she had lost everything she had worked so hard to achieve, along with her comrades-in-arms. In her own words, Joanne relates,
“…to lose my Military life, in addition to my health, took a massive toll on my mental health.”
It was at this point Joanne contacted the Royal British Legion (RBL) who provided the opportunity to attend courses, held in a “Battle Back Centre” in the Midlands, to aid her recovery. Joanne bravely recognises,
“…without them I truly do not know if I would be here today writing this.”
This centre offers programmes designed to assist those serving – and all veteran personnel – overcome the barriers and challenges encountered as a result of injury or illness. It was here that Joanne began to see some light amidst what had felt like a very dark time,
“I took a while to accept that I could no longer be the person I was in mind or body anymore, but I was working towards (and continue to) a new me and do not limit myself to what I can no longer do but look at what I can.”
During her time with the Royal British Legion, Joanne heard about the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for all those in service who were wounded, injured and sick – in addition to Veterans. The Games are an international adaptive multi-sports event with Forces competing from all over the world.
It is of course poignant that the word ‘Invictus’ is Latin for ‘Unconquered’, chosen as an embodiment of the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and sick personnel, as well as what they can achieve post injury. With that in mind, and with a renewed outlook, Joanne decided to apply for the Invictus Games 2023 that were to be held in Dusseldorf.
The selection process itself is an introduction to an array of adaptive sports, enabling potential competitors to find one that suits them. Joanne tried many different sports including wheelchair track, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby. Despite not being a permanent wheelchair user, Joanne does have limited mobility and relies on crutches.
“…these sports offered me a chance to be able to participate again, something I have been missing which was the chance to be able to do sport and challenge myself.”
It wasn’t all plain sailing at the start however. Joanne recalls the moment she was sat, strapped into a wheelchair at the sidelines, just before she was due to participate in a game of rugby. She was
“…watching all these people smash into each other… it looked so fast paced and aggressive, especially for someone who had been hidden away for so long and lacking in confidence. I decided it wasn’t for me and asked the lady helping to get me out the rugby chair.”
No sooner was Joanne trying to voice her reservations, this lady wheeled Joanne onto the court and said, “There you go love, you’ll be fine”. Despite her initial concerns, Joanne now reflects on this moment and feels thankful,
“I have never looked back since, I left that court with the biggest smile on my face and a feeling of knowing I’d finally found it, what I was looking for.”
Although physically able by virtue of the wheelchair, Joanne did not make the games that year due to the realisation that she was not “ready” in terms of her recovery journey, meaning she would not have been in the best position to benefit from the experience. However, by this point Joanne was determined and knew this would not be the end of her Invictus Game journey.
“That did not stop me…I knew I had found something that lit a fire in my belly and made me want to get up and go, so I went out looking for a club to join. This still took me a while due to lack of confidence, but I finally found a team. The Celtic Warriors WCR team Cornwall,”
Encouragement from The Celtic Warriors team led to Joanne participating in a tournament. Naturally, Joanne’s confidence was boosted and so, as a direct consequence, she decided to apply for the Invictus Games 2025!
“I decided…whatever the outcome of selection, I was going to enjoy it and discover more sports, meet new friends and, of course, try again for the WCR team.”
Joanne’s positivity, resolve and true Invictus Games spirit to be “unconquered” really did pay off as, reflecting on this time, Joanne relates,
“All I can say is that it’s been a fantastic and emotional journey trying for the 2025 games and the selection process itself has made me stronger in myself, but best of all, I MADE IT. I have been selected to represent Team UK in the Invictus Games 2025 being held in Canada.”
What amazing news! We are all so proud of Joanne and excited for what this amazing opportunity will bring. Not only has Joanne made the Wheelchair Rugby team, but she is also competing in two individual sports; swimming and downhill assisted skiing!
Joanne’s resilience really shines through as she expresses how she will need to face and conquer her fears; fears that would have once held her back,
“Am I a good swimmer? No! Can I downhill sit ski? No… but I’m learning, training and I am going to give it a really good go. I doubt I’ll be bringing home any physical medals but that does not matter at all to me, it’s the journey I’ve been on and where I’m going. This feels great, right now I feel great and super excited for the games. “
Joanne’s Training is now underway, and it is by no means easy. Joanne still battles with a lack of confidence, motivation, and self-doubt. She also struggles daily with a body that is in constant pain which, in Joanne’s words, “makes it incredibly hard for me to keep going.” Thankfully, Joanne has access to a fabulous support network in her team and, most importantly, her family.
“My son is now my training buddy, my daughter is my biggest cheerleader, my husband is there always to catch me when I fall on the bad days and cheer me on in the highs.”
As part of the Invictus Games, Joanne has also been given the chance to compete in the Skeleton event. She has even had the fantastic opportunity to try this event on a dry training slope with the Team GB members! With a distinct dislike of fairground rides and waterslides, this was not a sport Joanne was expecting to enjoy but knew she had to try,
“…as with everything I have done so far, it’s about pushing yourself out of the comfort zone (this comfort zone is extreme).”
Much to Joanne’s surprise, she had fun in the process of “giving it a go”. Team GB were mindful of any fears and supported her as she got on the sled. Despite this Joanne verifies one significant point,
“I can now confirm that the skeleton is not a sport for me, but you know what? That’s ok, I did it. I tried it even though I knew it was something that would scare me…So I am super proud of myself…but shall stick to cheering from the side lines with this one.”
What an example for us all! This positive mindset is absolutely in line with our ethos at Active Plus. Joanne is a superb inspiration to any participants she meets during her delivery of teambuilding Confidence and Motivation courses, not to mention the rest of the team.
We are all immensely proud of Joanne and cannot wait to see her in the 2025 Invictus Games! Amazing job Joanne! We are right behind you and will be cheering you on!
Inspired by Joanne’s story? Contact us to find out how you can meet her at an upcoming Active Plus course.
Blog Post: Suzanne Body, Active Plus