Unknown to me, my brother signed me up for the Invictus Games – my knowledge of Invictus was very limited; I knew they cared for injured personnel especially those with missing limbs and other physical injuries, I had no idea that having been previously diagnosed with PTSD that I would eligible.
My first event was “Sportsfest” held in Nottingham in Nov 17. I drove to the venue and sat in my car for about an hour, desperately trying not to let my anxiety issues get the better of me. Finally, I convinced myself that no harm would come to me. I collected my registration pass, which read “David Morris – Competitor” – I already felt included.
I tried rowing, swimming, archery and cycling, until I finally decided to concentrate on rowing and swimming. I took part in numerous training camps, which culminated in attending the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 trials, held at Bath University Sports Arena.
I achieved 2 PB’s in the rowing events; however; when it came to the swimming events I was so worked up; I was panicking. I lost my breath and all sense of reason – it was going to end in disaster.
The Invictus spirit was well and truly alive; my team mates pushing me through every little step that I took. I managed to get myself onto the blocks and dive in to the pool, once in I had no option but to swim. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I reached the end and punched the wall, I had smashed my PB and looked up to see my friend Michelle crying, she was over the moon that I had beaten off the demons and achieved something I never thought possible.
We had to wait for a month for team selection to be finalised, I was informed in May that I was selected as one of 18 reserves! I was over the moon that I was good enough to be a reserve!
I carried on going to the training events with the selected “Team UK” members, and as it was getting closer to the games, I just thought that this opportunity that I had been given, was good enough for me, I had managed to start seeing the old “Me” again.
To my complete amazement, two weeks before the games were due to begin, I got a call from the Invictus committee, they offered me a place on the UK Team! To say I was happy is an understatement, I could not believe this was actually happening to me.
Each competitor takes a support network with them, I took my partner, Sam and my close family friend, Barbara. They couldn’t believe it either!
My kit arrived and I was on my way to Sydney - I was blown away by the whole experience! We were met at the airport by Invictus volunteers and directed to our very own Team UK check in desk with British Airways. The aircraft was emblazoned with “Good luck Team UK”, I couldn’t believe that I was part of this!
We arrived in Oz after a hefty 23 hour flight, we didn’t have time to even think about jet lag, as we were given the most amazing welcome and lots of gifts and ‘gizits’.
Our feet had hardly hit the ground, when we were all whisked off to our respective training facilities. One of the biggest highlights was meeting up with my swimming team and heading to the Olympic aquatic centre. We walked into the venue and just stood there, speechless, I’ll never forget it. We looked at the sheer size of it and we could all imagine what it would be like when there was a crowd in the stands. It was a very emotional moment.
The opening ceremony was incredible; but I was about to get another surprise – I was informed that I was off to Admiralty House – to meet Prince Harry. What!!!!!!???? Me?????
Alongside my team mate Jonny Mitchell, we arrived at Admiralty House, we honestly could not believe it was happening and had to pinch ourselves, we were meeting not only royalty, but the person that founded the Invictus Games.
Nervously, we waited for Prince Harry to arrive, there was no need to be nervous at all – the Prince chatted to us both like we were old mates. We were led out into the garden; with Sydney Opera House in the background; we took part in an interview with the BBC alongside Prince Harry! Things like this don’t happen to people like me. Prince Harry talked about the physical and mental injuries that competitors were dealing with and I even found the strength to talk about the “Invisible Illness” that has caused me so much pain and stress. I found it so easy to talk, Prince Harry was calm, he put us both at ease, and, at times, I even forgot the cameras were there. It was such an honour to meet Prince Harry, I will never forget it.
The next day, I competed for the first time; my first event was indoor rowing. I definitely wasn’t calm, but I managed to fight off those demons to compete against 61 other people in the open category - a 4-minute endurance event – it was tough! But I did it! The next race was a 1-minute sprint, I may not have won any medals, but the biggest reward was completing it and I came a respectable 29th out of 62.
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The next day was my swimming events, and having had the experience the day before of a large crowd, I was ready for this and I was determined that I was just going to do it. My first race was the 50m freestyle, I was in the open category again and was against some stiff competition. I got on to the start block and the crowd of over 6500 fell silent.
As soon as the race started, the wall of noise was incredible! It was amazing to see and hear the UK supporters, including my family, in the crowd and giving it their all while I was giving it my all in the pool. I knocked 6 seconds off my PB and knocked 8 seconds off my PB for the 50m breaststroke.
Considering that in the months leading up to this, I found it extremely difficult to even bring myself to go to events because of the severity of my anxiety.
Over the course of the Invictus Games, I watched so many heroic acts of bravery and determination. Watching people overcome some of the things that have held them back, whether it was physical or mental and stopped them achieving life goals, was such an emotional roller coaster and it showed the true spirit of the games. All 18 nations coming together under one flag and showing compassion, empathy and unbelievable teamwork.
The power of the Invictus Games is hard to describe to people, it has to be seen to be believed.
This experience has completely changed my life, and I feel it is now my turn to make sure that other people who are struggling with life and the problems life can bring, will know what is available to them and will hopefully help them get back on the right track.
I’m so lucky to have been given this second chance at life and it’s thanks to the Invictus team, my coaches, Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion and my amazing family and friends. Without them, this would not be possible. Thank you.
