Able Seaman Taryn Dickens

Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2017 as a Weapons Rate Electronics Technician. I am currently posted to HMAS Ship Harman. I am the junior sailor representative on the Navy Diversity and Inclusion Council.
 
Age: 40
 
Hometown: Brisbane, Queensland
 
Current Town: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
 
Competing in: Cycling, powerlifting and rowing
 
What is the nature of your injury or illness? I am vision impaired, and I am sensitive to light which has led to depression and anxiety.
 
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? There is no rehabilitation available for my vision loss, but sport has given me routine, consistency and a direction to focus on, keeping my mind in check. Having goals has meant I can push myself which I find very rewarding. 
 
Sport background: Growing up I played soccer, rugby league and rugby union. In my twenties I did kickboxing and cycling. I have been a hiker/mountain climber enthusiast since my early twenties and have done Ice Climbing in Kosciuszko National Park.
 
I am currently in the ADF Cycling Club and the Canberra Vikings Cycling Club.  I competed at the National Track Masters Championships 2022. I also started nordic skiing last year.
 
What is your greatest achievement to date? Turning my vision loss into another experience to learn from and finding the courage to be open and honest about my experiences with mental health.  This has given others the strength, courage and permission to talk about their experiences. Courage is contagious.
 
Why did you apply for Invictus Games? With my sights set on the 2026 Winter Paralympics I felt the Invictus Games would be a great place for me to learn how to be me, a competitor with a vision impairment.  I have not travelled far or spent much time around other wounded, injured or ill people since my diagnosis. I am very excited to learn from other competitors and settle into being a competitor comfortable in my own skin while being supported by understanding people.
 
What will success look like for you at the Games? I feel like I have already succeeded with the friends I made at the first training camp.  I am excited for the added bonus of making even more mates during the Games.
 
What does unconquered mean to you? That being less able doesn’t mean you are less able. Impairments will not beat me.