Craig Ball

Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Australian Army in 1997 as a Reservist Infantryman. I passed selection to become a Commando in 2000 and served at 1^st Commando Regiment before discharging in 2005. I rejoined the Australian Army in 2006 as a Signaller. I deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2012 as a Platoon Signaller and then a Communications Mentor. My second deployment was a career highlight as I was able to support the successful completion of the communications capability from our base in Tarin Kowt reaching over 200kms. This deployment allowed me to develop a career in consulting and change management following my discharge in 2014.

Current occupation: I am a Change Manager to government agencies and a mental health and empowerment mentor. I published a book titled ‘Reclaim Your Power’ in 2022. I also deliver mental health and resilience programs.

Age: 49

Home town: Sydney, New South Wales

Current town: Kanwal, New South Wales

Competing in: Archery, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have chronic Post Traumatic Stress, generalised anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder as well as physical injuries including tinnitus, degenerative disease in the thoracic spine, hearing loss, right knee strain, stress fracture on my right foot and achilles tendonitis.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? The rowing machine, circuit training and running have helped me clear my head. I find the rower acts as a pump to expel negative energy from my body which is really quite profound sometimes. I get a grounding feeling from heavy weights. Yoga has been vital allowing negative energy from following traumatic experiences to leave my body.

Sport background: I played rugby growing up and skateboarded into my twenties. While serving I did swimming and I am hoping competing in indoor rowing will help me get into surfboat rowing with my local surf club. I would like to get into archery longer term as well. 

Why did you apply for Invictus Games? To be part of the Defence community once again and be around like minded people. To be part of a team striving towards a common goal and hopefully raise awareness around men’s mental health. I want to be able to support the people I have been lucky enough to be able to train with.

What will success look like for you at the Games? Competing, doing my best and supporting all my teammates however possible.

What is your greatest achievement to date? Thriving despite my psychological challenges, getting married and having our three children.
In business, writing my book ‘Reclaim Your Power’, as it’s a culmination of the last 21 years of work in self-improvement and helping others to improve their mental health.

What does unconquered mean to you? Being able to accept reality without being resigned to the negative aspects of it. Having a firm belief, you can have a transformative impact on your outcomes and your reality.