Georgia murrell

DoD Warrior Games 2024 Team Australia Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Royal Australian Navy in February 2021 as a Boatswain's Mate. I medically discharged in April 2024. I was part of the Commissioning of HMAS Stalwart in 2021 and sailed her commissioning tour.

Other information: My nickname is Muzz. I have an older brother Connor who is also serving as a Boatswain's Mate posted to HMAS Cerberus.
My partner Leading Seaman Shaun Iselin, who is a Boatswains Mate on HMAS Stuart and I have been together two years and have nearly finished building our first home. 

Age: 24

Hometown: Goulburn, New South Wales

Current town: Golden Bay, Perth, Western Australia

Competing in: Sitting volleyball, swimming and wheelchair rugby.

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have an auto immune disease known as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This illness makes your immune system attack your nervous system, which left me completely paralysed in December 2021. I had to learn to walk again, speak again and use the muscles in my body to make them work again. With lots of rehabilitation I have almost made a full recovery with the exception of lingering nerve damage, which effects the muscles in my body from performing for long periods of time.

Sport background: Growing up, I was heavily involved in all sports. There was never a sport I didn't have a crack at. However, I excelled in competitive swimming, representing my district and often competing at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. My other passion is touch football which I played and refereed in my hometown and got my start playing under Ashley Mewburn as my coach and mentor. I then went onto playing in representative teams in the mixed and woman’s competition for Goulburn Marinos. This fuelled my love of the sport as I got to play alongside my older brother. Over the years moving around I have played for various clubs in the Australian Capital Territory and Melbourne. I now play and coach for the Freemantle Rebels.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? Sport has always been a huge part of my identity, and being able to take part in team sports is what has kept me going and allowed me to get stronger in a way that feels comforting and at home with myself.
 
How did you feel when you were told you made the Warrior Games team? I still can't find the right words, it feels so surreal and it’s an incredible opportunity to be able to do this as part of my naval career coming to an end. 

What is your greatest achievement to date? I would definitely have to say making this team and fulfilling a childhood dream of wearing the green and gold!

Why did you apply for Warrior Games? I wanted to meet people like myself, and hear their stories. I think it’s important to surround yourself in a team environment of people who understand your day to day struggles and still support you no matter what life has handed you, everyone is an equal and valuable team player.

What will “winning” look like for you at the Games? That first moment taking to the court with my team will be a winning feeling for sure.

Who is supporting you at the Games? My family will all be watching and cheering me on from Australia. I’m sure my mum will have everyone around at our house for the opening day.