Case study
Ainsley Hooker
Army veteran, Invictus Games competitor
Townsville, QLD
overview
Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Ainsley grew up loving all types of sport, joining her local Surf Life Saving Club when she was just eight years old, and spending all her free time getting active in the sun, up until she began her service. Ainsley joined the Royal Australian Corps of Transport in the Australian Army in 2007 as a reservist. However, she soon realised she loved it so decided to transition to full time shortly after.
challenge
In late 2007, Ainsley sustained a bad ankle injury when completing an obstacle course during service. She was medically discharged in 2013. After many failed surgeries, Ainsley was left with chronic pain and a dying foot and ankle. While her love for sport never died, she was left to sit at home in pain, unable to move.13 years of this, and she made the decision to amputate, becoming a below-knee amputee.
“The choice to become an amputee was hard and took a lot.”
Journey
After becoming an amputee in 2020, Ainsley was introduced to wheelchair rugby and was selected to play for the North Queensland Marlins in a state cup and won.
“Being involved in wheelchair rugby has been amazing – the joy and happiness from meeting new people, competing and training has really brought me back from death. I feel alive again and have a new drive to push myself further.”
She applied for the Adaptive Sport Program to prove to herself that if she continued to work on her physical and mental health, she would be able to improve and be a fierce competitor.
Ainsley’s application was successful and she competed as part of Team Australia in the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023. Wearing green and gold, Ainsley competed in Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair Basketball and Athletics, picking up a gold in shotput and a bronze in wheelchair rugby.
today
A Mum to two children, Luke and Isabel, Ainsley continues to use sport to aid in her recovery journey, attributing it to the reason she no longer needs to see her psychologist. She is also currently studying to become a Kindergarten teacher.
Post games, Ainsley continues to be an active member of the Invictus Australia community, attending local sporting events to connect with veterans and their families. It is a great chance for Ainsley, her kids, and her husband who she met in the army, to feel the camaraderie of the Defence community in a way that reminds her of her transformative experience of competing for Team Australia.
Being able to play sports as an amputee was eye-opening and the most amazing experience. Being able to be involved and meet amazing people makes discovering who you are again all worthwhile.”
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