Little more than two years ago, Tasmanian primary school principal Peter Brown had a below-the-knee amputation.
The former infantryman, mortar man and officer made the difficult decision to amputate his leg after multiple failed surgeries for an ankle injury incurred while in the army.
It wasn't long after his life-changing operation that Brown was selected to be part of Australia's 32-strong Invictus Games team.
He said he had wanted to make the team to prove to his own five children and the students of Boat Harbour Primary School that it was possible to overcome obstacles.
"My kids were my inspiration," he said.
The Hobart-turned-Hellyer man joined the team ready for the competition in 2020, but COVID twice delayed the international event.
But this week, Brown has made the trip to the Netherlands, where he will compete in wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball, athletics, indoor rowing, and wheelchair rugby, his personal favourite.
Belief in sport as a recovery tool
Brown said training for the Invictus Games had given him discipline, structure and camaraderie: the very things he loved about being in the army.
Brown's focus on remaining positive and feeling gratitude has allowed him to overcome his injury.
"Sometimes it's a good gauge to remember that others are going through worse.
"It can be a reminder there is still some good in our lives and to pursue that.
"It's not always easy."
The Invictus Games were founded by HRH Prince Harry in 2014 after a visit to the US-based Warrior Games for US service people.
According to the games' foundation, invictus means unconquered, which encompasses the fighting spirit of the injured service personnel who take part in the event.
