Brother’s injury is inspiration for Brian’s Invictus journey
BRIAN Heilbronn grew up in Dubbo, attended South Dubbo High and joined the Army. Three days after his call-up, his younger brother James suffered a permanent life-changing injury when he dived into a pool at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School.
James is now a quadriplegic. Brian spent nearly 12 years in the Army; his brother a lifetime in a chair.
"Every time I was on a march or in boot camp or some other ‘fun’ activity, I would think of James and what his life was like. When the going got tough I would tell myself, 'James would give anything to feel the pain I am feeling,' and that was enough to spur me on,” Brian told Dubbo
“Now I am out of the Army, I remain connected through the Reserves. I have dedicated my civilian life to applying my studies to assisting others like my brother. Some have permanent injuries from accidents, many have been left with the terrible scars of war,” he said with deep sincerity.
Brian is now a coach for the Invictus Games which start in Sydney in a few days' time.
“This will be my second stint at Invictus. I was selected as a powerlifting coach for last year’s games in Toronto. It was an incredible experience and I am so looking forward to joining the Australian contingent and others from around the world in Sydney.”
Brian’s commitment to his fellow service men and women has been enhanced by his elite status in Sports Science, Physiology and Strength and Training.
One of his mentees is Sarah Sliwka who grew up in Broken Hill before spending four years in the Army. She has been training under Brian for over 12 months after linking up before the Toronto Games.
Sarah won two silver medals in Canada – one for powerlifting, one for her 50-metre freestyle swim.
“She is a truly remarkable athlete. I think Sarah would admit she became detached from the military when she was medically discharged. Since she found Invictus and began to train her mind and body, she has reconnected. That is what it’s all about.”
Brian told of the couple of times he met Prince Harry, the man behind the Games.
“He is a military man. He understands the traumas these people have been through from his own personal experience and he is passionate that every individual should reach his or her potential,” Brian said admiringly. “Dubbo will love him!” Brian’s love of sport and exercise has been woven into his academic life. He is an Associate Lecturer at James Cook University in Townsville. He combines research and lectures with practical sessions for interns.
“I served nearly 12 years in the Army and had some great teachers. I then was fortunate enough to spend 13 months with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2015 when Jonathon Thurston led them to their first NRL premiership. Now I work as strength and training co-ordinator for the Townsville Rugby League Referees.”
The only downside to this remarkable man who cut his teeth in local rugby with the Rhinos, is that the New South Welshman has become a dastardly Maroon.
“I didn’t plan it but I have been in Townsville for more than half my life. I just sort of got swept up in the fever,” he laughed.
Brian Heilbronn, we salute you and applaud the contribution you are making to ensure the lives of those who have suffered horrific injuries can live their lives to the full.
“James is my inspiration; working with Invictus is my reward.” SUPPLIED.
“Dubbo will love him!”
is how Brian Heilbronn describes Prince Harry, pictured with Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. The royal couple were attending a reception hosted at Australia House in London in April to celebrate the upcoming Invictus Games 2018 in Sydney. PHOTO: REUTERS