Dean’s game for Invictus
THE opportunity to share the world stage with royalty doesn’t come along often but that is what swimmer Dean Knobel will be doing as a member of Australia’s Invictus Games team in October.
While serving in the Royal Australian Navy aboard HMAS Manoora, the marine technician received a serious back injury in a heavy lifting accident. His left hand was also crushed under a load of ammunition.
Mr Knobel required two back operations after the accident which ended his six-year navy career – and left him despondent about life.
Unable to work and facing a long rehabilitation, Mr Knobel was put in touch with the Veteran Health Association at Nerang, an organisation he said played a key role in his rehabilitation.
Now, with the honour of being the only Gold Coaster on the 72-member Australian team for the Games, Mr Knobel, from Ashmore, has been training in his pet events, the 50m and 100m freestyle.
“”Before I entered the navy I trained with coach Dennis Cotterell at Miami so returning to the pool was a natural choice,” he said.
“However, it has been a gradual process and I couldn’t have done it without the great support of the community and organisations such as the Currumbin RSL which provided me with funding for a road bike and swim coaching.
“Together with the health association, the rehabilitation program, training and preparing for the Games has reignited my spark for life.
“I still have to get injections as part of my pain management but I have a real focus in my life and I am very excited about competing at the Games.”
Mr Knobel said being part of the Australia team was like being in an extended family with the athletes able to talk about their experiences, how they are coping with life and preparing for the Games.
Mr Knobel qualified second fastest for the team, thanks to a training regimen including bike riding, swimming and gym work.
He is now able to enjoy a game of golf and even martial arts training.
“After the Invictus Games, I hope to compete in the Pan Pac Masters later in the year and ultimately become a swim coach so I can give back to the community for helping me regain my life.”
More than 500 athletes from 18 allied nations are expected to compete in 11 sports at the Invictus Games in Sydney from October 20-27. For more information go to invictusgames2018.org
.TRAINING AND PREPARING FOR THE GAMES HAS REIGNITED MY SPARK FOR LIFE
DEAN KNOBEL