Justin Donnelly

Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Australian Army in 1994 as a Commando. I deployed to Afghanistan and East Timor and worked on the Sydney Olympics. I discharged in 2016.

Current occupation: Retired. I am a father to my two girls, Jordan, 17 and Jade, 14.

Age: 47

Home town: Port Adelaide, South Australia

Current town: Toowong, Queensland 

Competing in: Cycling, swimming and wheelchair basketball

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have a number of parachuting and combat related bombing and shooting injuries as well as Post Traumatic Stress. 

I was in a motorcycle accident racing in the United Arab Emirates. I broke 60% of my body. My brain injury was that bad I should have not survived; three parts of my brain were left dead.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? It has helped me achieve goals and given me motivation to further succeed.

Sport background: I started playing Aussie Rules and dirt bike riding in high school. In the Army I played rugby league, rugby union, golf and did road cycling.

What is your greatest achievement to date? Being selected for the Invictus Games and completing a number of rides including City to the Gold Coast twice after my accident.

Why did you apply for Invictus Games? I wanted to represent Australia in a new way.

What will success look like for you at the Games? I’m not looking for a win or a podium finish, I just want to get out on the field and compete. If I’m last, I’m last.

What does unconquered mean to you? It does not matter how broken I am. Every day is a blessing and I am unconquered I. have overcome so many hurdles in my life. I must press forward every day to achieve my goals.

These goals can at times feel unachievable. You take a step back, rethink and then find another avenue.