BEN OWENS

DoD Warrior Games 2024 Team Australia Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Australian Army in 1989 and served for 30 years until I medically discharged in 2019. I initially joined as a Signals Officer and later specialised in project management. I deployed with United Nations missions in Cambodia in 1993 and South Sudan in 2014.

Other information: I am married with two adult children and my parents live on the South Coast of New South Wales where I grew up. I have two siblings. Since I am medically retired, I do some volunteer work.

Age: 53

Hometown: Albion Park Rail, Wollongong, New South Wales

Current town:  Melbourne, Victoria

Competing in: Archery, sitting volleyball, swimming and wheelchair rugby

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have progressive nerve damage to my hands and feet from an autoimmune condition.

Sport background: At school I was a keen Scout, did regular swimming training and played competitive squash. Now I participate in local and regional wheelchair rugby competitions and events.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation?  I saw the Aussie Invictus Games wheelchair rugby team smash the rest of the world at Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and was immediately hooked. It was such a great combination of technical, tactical and physical prowess, with a fantastic camaraderie between everyone across the teams. I promised myself I would make it onto the Aussie team, and this has provided the necessary focus during my treatment and forced retirement.    

How did you feel when you were told you made the Warrior Games team?  Excited and relieved. I trained hard through COVID-19 and waited impatiently through the recent Invictus Games. Along the way I’ve set myself several challenges I want to accomplish, but none rank higher than representing Australia under the auspices of the Australian Defence Force once again.    

What is your greatest achievement to date? Professionally, I am particularly proud of delivering new equipment and capabilities to the Tri-Service Explosive Ordinance Disposal community (bomb disposal technicians). From a sporting perspective, I’ve played in the ‘B’ team for state and national level wheelchair rugby championships. By far, my favourite sporting experience is playing against the Aussie Invictus Games team at a simple training match in 2019. I felt an instant bond with them that eclipsed any connection with my civilian teammates, and it cemented my resolve to make it to the Warrior and Invictus Games.

Why did you apply for Warrior Games? Previous competitors have raved about how well organised the Warrior Games are, and I’m excited to see the spectacle, meet our opposition and then beat them!

What will “winning” look like for you at the Games? The Aussie team smashing it in the wheelchair rugby, regardless of the final score. I love the physicality, the tight teamwork and the smiles on everyone’s faces after a fierce battle.

Who is supporting you at the Games? My wife, children and parents.