Brett lewis

DoD Warrior Games 2024 Team Australia Competitor

ADF service: I enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in June 2002 as a cook. Within a couple of years, I posted to Australia’s Federation Guard before transferring to become an Administration Clerk in 2007. In 2017, I commissioned to become an Operations Officer before medically discharging in February 2019. I was fortunate to deploy to Timor-Leste in 2012 to 2013 as a part of the administration team on Operation Astute. In 2014, I was deployed to the Middle East to stand up the Orderly Room for Operation Okra.

Other information: I have been medically retired for five years now. My mates call me “Louie”. I’ve been married for over 25 years and have been with my wife, Tracey, since we were 20. We have three sons, Kyle, Dylan and Tyler. Dad and Mum live in the King Valley in Victoria, and I have two sisters (I’m the middle child).

Age: 48

Hometown: Wangaratta, Victoria

Current town: Wodonga, Victoria

Competing in: Indoor rowing, powerlifting, shooting and wheelchair basketball

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have a spinal injury that has seen me be the lucky recipient of a triple spinal fusion, artificial disc, caged discs and removal of three spinous processes. I have received multiple left knee surgeries (and am awaiting a new knee), have had several shoulder surgeries, and half my left bicep has been removed. I came close in 2006 to losing my left leg to a golden staph infection, but the doctors were lucky enough to save it after extensive treatment.

Sport background I played baseball growing up. I was also into road cycling throughout my teens and 20s. I competed with my little sister as my partner in the late 80s in rock ’n’ roll dancing (but that ceased when I grew 8.5 inches in under 12 months). Currently, I train at a local gym, owned and operated by an Army veteran husband and wife team. I play for the local wheelchair basketball team in Wodonga and assist the coach when I can. I have competed in the CrossFit Open and been a team member in the 24 Hours of Heroes.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? I was told I wouldn’t be able to lift or do much of any exercise after my spinal surgeries. Sport has given me a new focus on life. I have been shown no matter the severity of the injury, there’s always something you can be doing to keep active. I now spend my days surrounding myself with people who inspire me and are willing to help me along my journey. 
                                               
How did you feel when you were told you made the Warrior Games team? I have been working towards this goal for nearly four years, so when I got the call I felt a great deal of pride and achievement. Although I’m injured, I still have been afforded the opportunity to represent my country. I remember thinking, “I’m a part of a team again”, and will have the camaraderie I had within the Australian Defence Force.

What is your greatest achievement to date? Apart from getting through all the challenges my injuries have thrown at me over the last eight years, I would 100 per cent say, my beautiful wife and three sons. They are my foundation. I could not have achieved what I have without them by my side.

Why did you apply for Warrior Games? My coaches told me I needed a goal to strive for; something that wouldn’t take two months, but something I could work towards. One of my coaches is a past Invictus Games team member. He started talking about his experiences and it was exactly what I was looking for, so in 2020 my training began and in 2023, my doctor signed off on my EOI for Warrior Games.

What will “winning” look like for you at the Games? Getting out there and giving it my all. So long as I am happy and I’m smiling, then in my books, I’m a winner.

Who is supporting you at the Games? My wife, Tracey, sister, Nadia, and her husband, Scott, will all be in Florida cheering me on. My sons, parents and other sister have already asked for links so they can watch it all from Australia.