Andrew Tebbit

Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Australian Army in 2000 as a Combat Engineer I deployed in 2002 and 2006 to East Timor. I spent two years providing Explosive Ordnance disposal support to the Tactical Assault Group. I medically discharged in 2015.

Age: 47

Home town: Ipswich, Queensland

Current town: Port Macquarie, New South Wales

Competing in: Cycling, indoor rowing and wheelchair rugby

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have a below knee amputation as a result of an Army injury that wasn't able to be fixed by surgery. I made the choice with my surgeon to amputate for a better quality of life. I have adjustment disorder with major depressive disorder and anxiety from not being able to deal with my decline in physical health and the effect it had on my career in the Army.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? I moved to Port Macquarie after I discharged and was at a pretty low point. I was fortunate enough to meet a member of the Australian Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Team and was invited to a training session. Just being involved in those training sessions around elite athletes completely changed my outlook and made me a better person.

Sport background: I played rugby league when I was younger. Now I do outrigger canoeing and some rowing.

What is your greatest achievement to date? Getting three Australian adaptive indoor rowing records eight months after my amputation.

Why did you apply for the Invictus Games? To be around other military people who may have been through similar things as me and to compete in sports in which I may not have had the chance elsewhere.

What will success look like for you at these Games? Just being there and being able to share it with family and friends who have had to ride the ups and downs with me.

What does unconquered mean to you? That I'm not defined by my limitations.