‘Proudest moment of my life’
N.L. veteran oldest competitor at Invictus Games
A Newfoundland woman was the oldest competitor at the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia, this week.
The games began last Saturday and clew up today.
In just one week, Cavell Simmonds has inspired many of her fellow veterans and injured members of the armed services participating in the annual event.
“I am just over the moon,” Simmonds said of her experience.
“It feels fantastic to be participating.”
The retired military nurse grew up in Bishop’s Falls, but now lives in Calgary.
At 67, she is not only the oldest participant at the 2018 games, she has also competed in nearly every sporting event offered during the event.
She won a bronze medal for archery and won best female competitor in golf. She also competed in powerlifting, wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball.
“I never thought I would be accepted because I am so old, but I was, and so very proud to be given the opportunity to do so,” she said.
Meanwhile, at home, Simmonds’ brother, Roger Simmons, said the entire family is proud of her.
“We’re very happy and very proud that she’s part of the team, and just delighted that she’s doing so well,” he said.
“She always had an athletic streak in her, no question about that.”
Simmonds’ impressive showing at a wheelchair rugby match right after qualifying for the bronze contest in archery prompted Australian competitor Jamie Tanner to give her his No. 11 shirt.
According to a report on the Invictus Games website, he told her that she inspired him and he was proud to have met her. He said that for someone who had never played wheelchair rugby before, she put everyone to shame.
Simmonds told The Telegram that was “the greatest compliment of all” and called it the proudest moment of her life.
Simmonds retired in 2009 after more than 35 years as a military nurse.
She’s a throat cancer survivor who has had three major operations, and has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“This opportunity has been very beneficial in helping me to cope with this condition,” she said.
Simmonds said other highlights during the week were meeting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and meeting many new friends.
“I am so privileged to be participating in these games,” she said. “I can’t say enough good things about this opportunity.”