Danielle Hale

Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Army Reserve in 1989 as part of the Melbourne University Regiment as a Regimental Signaller and then as a Storeman. I transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1998 as an Aviation Technician Airframe. I deployed operationally before becoming a Weapons Aviation Engineering Officer. I transferred to reserves in 2013 and was medically discharged in 2019.

Current occupation: I am retired from the military. My husband Wayne and I have a son Luke, and an Assistance Dog, ’Poppy’. In my spare time I play wheelchair sports and volunteer with Surf Life Saving.

Age: 51

Home town: Melbourne, Victoria

Current town: Angle Vale, South Australia

Competing in: Indoor rowing, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have extensive issues with my spine and spinal cord compression. I have Fibromyalgia which causes muscle spasms, especially when I am anxious and after exercise. Years of chronic pain and depression affected my work, social and family life resulting in total withdrawal from everything. I received a lot of help from my husband, son and medical professionals and my Assistance dog, Poppy. Poppy has been an enormous help to me, as she knows what to do and when to do it. Having her with me is amazing.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? After moving to South Australia I approached the Invictus Pathways Program. I wanted to improve my cardio fitness and strength. Through the program I connected with other veterans and students who were keen to help me out. I was introduced to wheelchair sports which has gradually pulled me out of my house. Through doing these activities my social connections have increased and I enjoy playing with my teammates.

Sport background: I used to play team sports including, cricket, basketball and touch football. During my service I did triathlons and marathons. As my medical conditions got worse, I stopped all sport except for some regular swimming.

What is your greatest achievement to date? Watching my son grow up. My greatest sporting achievement was swimming across the Dardanelles in Turkey in 2019, raising funds for Soldier On.

Why did you apply for Invictus Games? In the ADF you represent Australia every day, whenever you put on the uniform. After being medically discharged, I lost this sense of pride both in myself and in general. I always believed I was going to serve in the ADF until retirement age, so I felt as though my time was cut short. It has been a lifelong dream to represent Australia in a sport. My childhood dream was to be an Olympic cyclist and speedskater. So, I applied to hopefully fulfill my dream and be part of a team to share those winnings highs. I am not the fastest or strongest, but I will give all I can to help.

What will success look like for you at the Games? Success, to me, is giving my best efforts and having fun playing with those around me. In doing this, if I can help someone else overcome and achieve their goal, I’ll be happy.

What does unconquered mean to you? It’s a sense of self. It’s all relative to each person. Having the guts to face the challenges in your day and the courage to request help when needed to complete these challenges.