diane jackson

DoD Warrior Games 2024 Team Australia Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1990 as a Supply Clerk working in Darwin, before being posted to Amberley. In 2001 I commissioned to become a Logistics Officer and once again served in Darwin until 2008 when I went to Canberra to work in health and safety. I held the position of Hazardous Chemicals Project Manager until my medical discharge in 2017.

Other information: I am retired but keep active as Ladies Secretary for my lawn bowls club. I have many nicknames, but my favourite is “Phantom”. I have been married to Russ for 26 years. He’s my ‘rock’ and a fun guy.

Age: A young 58

Hometown: Maryborough, Victoria

Current town: The beautiful one day, perfect the next, Airlie Beach, Queensland

Competing in: Athletics, cycling, powerlifting and indoor rowing

What is the nature of your injury or illness? My illness is called Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, which is an extremely rare condition that causes slow progressive neuromuscular degeneration in the lower limbs. It produces spasticity, weakness, neurogenic pain, foot drop, knee hyperextension, stumbling and falling. 

Sport background: My main sport growing up was hockey and I went onto play several years with the ADF. In retirement I took up lawn bowls and play in a wheelchair. The highlight has been playing in the Queensland State Multi Disability Bowls Championships each year. As part of my rehabilitation, I took up powerlifting. I have competed in many competitions and achieved personal bests each time. I think my greatest sporting moment is being able to compete in sports I thought were unreachable, but aren’t if I explore the opportunities. It’s just awesome.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? Sport is an important component of my physical and mental health. I have always loved sport so having to continually work on my physical health has not been difficult. To constantly make improvements in sport is extremely rewarding, and this, in hand with positive comments from those around me, assists my mental health.

How did you feel when you were told you made the Warrior Games team? I was extremely excited, grateful and thinking of the prospects that may flow on from it.

What is your greatest achievement to date? Tough question really, probably my military career, and then my continual fight to delay progression of my condition.

Why did you apply for Warrior Games? I wanted to experience playing sport with people who have similar challenges and goals.

What will “winning” look like for you at the Games? I think I have already won. Being a member of a team competing in adaptive sports against other countries will be a truly amazing experience.

Who is supporting you at the Games? My husband will be supporting me at the Games as my carer and supporter. Back in Australia, my supporters will be my Mum, Joan, and my friends, Shaz, Leesa, Pam, Alex and Yvette.