AMY BEAL

ADF Service: I enlisted into the Navy as a Boatswains Mate in October 2009. I served on a number of ships including HMAS Anzac and HMAS Sirius. In July 2014 I was commissioned as a Maritime Logistics Officer, where I was fortunate to serve on a number of ships, a submarine, in Tri service units and two overseas deployments to the Middle East. I also deployed on Bushfire Assist and COVID Assist efforts. One of my career highlights was being able to maintain logistic operations both in Australia and overseas for the ADF and foreign navies. I was medically discharged from the Navy in March 2024. 

Other information: I’m very lucky to have the support of my amazing wife Jilly in whatever I choose to try and achieve. We have three grown kids, Alexandra, Tabitha and Ben, as well as two gorgeous granddaughters, Ellie (3yrs) and Lara (10months) who keep us busy and entertained!  

Plus, my amazing Assistance Dog, Oran, who is never far from my side and our two French Bulldogs, Groot and Lucy. I am also always supported by my parents, Chris and Anne, and my four sisters, nieces, and nephews. 

Age: 41 

Hometown: Adelaide, SA 

Current Town: Rockingham, WA 

What is the Nature of your injury or illness?  
I have a variety of service-related injuries ranging from a spinal injury, musculoskeletal injuries, PTSD and a rare type of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Fortunately for me, my MND diagnosis is not life ending, but it is (and has been) life changing. 

Sporting background:  I was an avid soccer player as a kid, but I tried just about every sport at one time or another – even though Netball was not my jam. I loved swimming as well! At university, I swam and played touch rugby and ultimate frisbee.  
Today,  I’ve learned to play sport on wheels vs on my legs. I play wheelchair basketball and wheelchair AFL - both sports I love, which make me feel free of my injuries and diagnosis. 

When did you first connect with the Invictus Movement?  
In 2016, a member from a team I worked with was rehabilitating from a stroke. He had been involved in the 2016 Australian Invictus Games team and was applying for the 2017 team. When he found out I had previously coached swimming, he encouraged me to apply as a coach for the 2017 team. I was extremely fortunate to be successful in my application and became the Swim Coach for the 2017 Australian Team in the lead up to and at the games in Toronto. Seeing what the Invictus movement gave and brought out in competitors, and their family and friends left a permanent mark on me, and a phenomenal memory and experience that I still hold very close.  

Since my medical discharge, my life has changed dramatically. Invictus Australia community events have helped get me re-engaged in community and see what sports and activities are still possible for me to participate in.   

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? 
Sport is a massive part of my rehabilitation. I love a challenge, and trying a sport or developing a new skill is integral to trying to slow the progression of my disease. Participating in sport helps me advance and solidify these important wins from my weekly physiotherapy sessions.  

Socially and mentally, sport enables me to connect with like-minded people and breaks down barriers. In sport at home and on camps for this team, I’ve learnt adaptations that other team members have used to help them improve skills or increase their ability to complete a task. 

What is your greatest achievement to date?  
I am immensely proud of my career in the Navy, how my wife and I have raised our children, the life I’ve built with my wife, and how I’ve managed my injuries and illness so far. But I think I still have a lot to achieve so am not ready to settle yet… 

Why did you apply for the Adaptive Sports Program? 
Being medically discharged from the job that I loved, floored me. My diagnosis of MND just over 6 months ago turned my wife’s and my life upside down. I needed a goal and an outlet to show myself that whilst I might be down, I’m not out. 

How did you feel when you were told you would make the team? 
To be honest, I didn’t think I would make it because of my physical limitations and my ability to participate in the sports on offer at the Sports Festival. When I made it, I felt immense pride. 

What will ‘winning’ look like for you at this event? 
Simply competing is a win for me! But also, being part of Team Australia is a win and I look forward to representing Australia.