Rodney ‘Rocket’ Cottam, Resilience Through Running

Words by Gemma Frances, a Volunteer Contributor at the Charity Journal

In his early twenties, in peak health and fitness, Rodney ‘Rocket’ Cottam was involved in a serious motor-vehicle accident that derailed a promising elite military career and left him with multiple serious injuries including the paralysis of his left arm. It was the discipline of Rodney’s army experience and a strong support network of family, friends and colleagues that enabled him to flip what could have been a destructive event into a constructive one. ‘I’m the man I am today as a result of my accident,’ said Rodney, who wouldn’t change what happened. ‘I never think about the ‘what ifs’. Being paralysed in one arm isn’t that big a deal and it doesn’t stop me from doing anything I would normally do. I’m very driven towards achieving my goals.’

Rodney’s military mindset of ‘improvise, adapt and overcome’ enabled him to accept those changes and focus on what he could do rather than what he couldn’t – and twenty years later he has yet to find his limits. ‘We all face adversity, and adversity develops resilience. Whenever I feel under pressure, I focus on the positives and the things I can control rather than those I can’t. When I put things into perspective, they’re often not as bad as they seem.’

Following his accident, Rodney utilised the support of Invictus Australia, a registered charity that supports veterans and their families by connecting people through sport. ‘My service to my country didn’t cease when I was medically discharged from the army,’ said Rodney. ‘If I can use my experience to help others, I will.’ He has since partnered with the charity as an ambassador, participating in endurance running events that not only promote the benefits of sport, but draw attention to the needs of veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. ‘Sport has always been a huge part of my life,’ said Rodney. ‘It has made me stronger and connected me with others. When I started my ultra-running endurance career, I found a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.’

Now Rodney gives back to the same community that gave to him, harnessing his drive to push himself and test his limits for the benefit of others. ‘A standout experience was when I decided to set myself an annual personal challenge. That first year I ran from the Southern Highlands of NSW to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko – 350km over 5 days with a support crew of only two.’ The funds raised were contributed to Invictus Australia and other causes. ‘We received an incredible amount of donations, but it was the support from the community that blew us away – whether it was encouragement over social media or strangers pulling over on the side of the road just to thank us. The support I received for getting out there and help others is something I’ll never forget and will always be grateful for.’

It’s undeniable that Rodney’s running events are feats of mental as well as physical endurance. What enables him to keep pushing through the pain and fatigue to keep on moving? ‘Running has allowed me to become a better person,’ he said. ‘I get out on the trails, connect with nature and discover some amazing places – all while pushing my mind and body. I get to clear my head and think through a lot of things.’ Rodney prefers to set the bar high. ‘I continually try to push myself – whether its physically, mentally or emotionally. I’m always looking to grow, improve, and find out what I’m capable off – I haven’t reached my limits yet, but I’ll keep going until I find them!’

Rodney has since partnered with former Wests Tigers rugby league player, Chris Paterson, to establish Run Rocket Run – a professional performance coaching business that also supports Invictus Australia and other causes that are meaningful to them through charitable donations and funds raised via Rodney’s annual calendar of races and challenges – the most recent of which was 100 miles across the snowy mountains of NSW in November 2025. What is the driving force behind these challenges? ‘We lose more veterans to suicide than we do on the battlefield,’ said Rodney. ‘That is not acceptable.’

‘There’s a huge lack of acknowledgement and respect for our veterans that must start at the top through our leaders and Government and filter downwards into the wider community. Our veterans pledged to pay the ultimate sacrifice by putting service before themselves, and for that they should never be left in dire need of support – whether it’s no-cost healthcare or subsidised housing, the support from our Government needs to be dramatically increased. Organisations such as Invictus Australia do a fantastic job with the limited funding they receive, but it’s not enough. While they have some amazing corporate partners and supporters, they need more. Though many corporates celebrate, donate to and raise awareness for a number of causes, there is still not enough out there available to support our veterans.’

One thing is certain, whether it’s to continue drawing attention to a cause that resonates so deeply with Rodney, or to simply challenge himself even further (if that’s possible) – nothing is going to stop him from running. ‘If I can encourage one person to get out there and challenge themselves, that’s a bonus,’ he said. What advice would he give to someone who has experienced a similar derailment in their career paths and are unsure of their next steps? ‘There’s the basics – eat, hydrate, and get out in the sunlight and be as active as possible – activity assists with mental clarity. Rely on your support network by drawing upon family and friends,’ said Rodney, who found being vulnerable with others enabled him to share what he was going through following his accident. ‘Then put your ego aside and find a sense of purpose – something to focus on and work towards. Directing your energy towards something meaningful that can also help others is incredibly rewarding.’

Rodney’s belief that we create the world we live in by the positive contributions we make is evidenced not just by the trajectory his life has taken ever since his accident, but before that when he first pledged to put his country first. ‘Before doing anything I ask myself three questions,’ said Rodney. ‘Does it add growth? Do I enjoy it? Does it serve others? If the answer isn’t ‘yes’ to all three, I won’t do it.’ And this philosophy is evidenced by his career. ‘Leading by example is how I want to live my life. We can all be a better person – whether it’s a better partner, parent, son or daughter, friend or teammate – that’s a continual work in progress. Adversity is going to happen, but it’s how we respond to it that matters. We all need to find a purpose – purpose provides meaning.’

How can we get involved and support Rodney’s mission? ‘You can follow us on social media including Instagram and LinkedIn.’ You can also follow Rodney’s ultra-running challenges and fundraising events at Run Rocket Run where you can sign up for Monday Mindset, their free weekly newsletter or check out their podcast, The Enhanced Effort on Spotify.

If you’d like to listen to episodes featuring our Invictus Community on The Enhanced Effort podcast, see below:
Michael Hartung OAM, CEO Invictus Australia
Doug Griffiths OAM, Warrior and Invictus Games Alumnus
Captain Olivia Miley-Dyer, Invictus Games Alumna
Adam Pine OAM OLY, Director of Teams, Pathway & Alumni Invictus Australia

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