Ainsley Hooker

Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 Competitor

ADF service:  I joined the Royal Australian Corps of Transport Corp in the Australian Army in 2007 as a driver. I medically discharged in 2013.

Current occupation: Mum to two beautiful children, my son Luke, who is 11 and my daughter Isabelle, who is five. I am a wife to my amazing husband Jayson who I met in the army at a holding platoon and have been happily married for 14 years. I am also studying to become a kindergarten teacher.

Age: 36

Home town: Brisbane Queensland

Current town: Giru, Queensland

Competing in: Athletics, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby

What is the nature of your injury or illness? In 2007 I sustained a bad ankle injury. Following failed surgeries, I was left with chronic pain and a dying foot and ankle for 13 years and ultimately became a below-knee amputee.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? Sport is my love but for many years I sat at home and could not move. The choice to become an amputee was hard and took a lot. 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.

Sport background: Sport has played a massive role in my childhood. I began with Surf Life Saving at Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park when I was eight. Every weekend I spent in the sun, sand and surf until I joined the Army.

After becoming an amputee in 2020, I was shown wheelchair rugby and was selected to play in the North Queensland Marlins at the state cup and won. 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. 

Why did you apply for Invictus Games? I applied for the Invictus Games to prove to myself that by working hard on my mental and physical health I could improve and be ready to compete. I wanted to get out of the comfort of my own house and explore, while meeting amazing current and ex-serving ADF members that are going through many of the same challenges.2

What will success look like for you at the Games? Winning would be amazing. But to me, being part of the Australian team is already success.
 
What does unconquered mean to you? That my amputation is not a death sentence, rather a new beginning.