READY AND ABLE
With the 2016 Invictus Games — the brainchild of Prince Harry — just over a month away, members of the Canadian team put themselves through the paces one last time on Wednesday. The games, which will take place May 8-12 in Orlando, Fla., allow wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women to compete in adaptive sports on an international level.
Dan Taekema caught up with some of the athletes.
Staying strong (below)
Having a reason to compete is a big part of what helps athletes overcome their injuries. As soldiers they’re used to having a mission, and for Master Corporal Mark Hoogendoorn, it was all about getting active. After he lost his leg, the 30-year-old worked with Soldier On, a Canadian Armed Forces program to get injured soldiers moving again. He’ll compete in the bench press, shot put and rowing at the Games in May.
Getting a leg up on the competition
Captain Simon Mailloux bends over the rowing machine, a fierce grimace on his face and sweat beading on his nose. As he rears back with the bar both of his legs — one real, one artificial — hold him in place, allowing the 32-year-old to push himself further, harder.
“For me, it’s not all about are you fast enough or quick enough. It’s: Have you succeeded in rehabilitating enough to be part of this team?” said Mailloux.
Dogged devotion (right)
A veteran of both the Armed Forces and international competition, retired corporal Christine Gauthier will compete in events from weightlifting to sitting volleyball at the games. Between sports, Batak, her canine helper, will be by her side. The two have been a team for three years and the big Labernese helps Gauthier pull her chair.
As for the events, the 45-year-old said they won’t be a problem. “I’m not nervous, I’m very excited, I’m very psyched to do well, obviously,” she said.
Ending the cycle (above)
A team effort
As they wrapped up their last day of training, members of Canada’s team for the Invictus Games shook off any lingering nervousness and got ready to show what they’re made of on the world stage. These athletes play to win, even against old war buddies. “I have a few friends in the U.S. Army who will be at the games,” said Mailloux. “I’m looking forward to shaking their hands, kicking their asses and then shaking their hands again.”
Racing to remember
Retired master corporal Natacha Dupuis dreamed of running in the Olympics, but an injury forced her to quit. Then, while serving in Afghanistan, she was a first responder to an event where two of her friends were killed. She suffers from PTSD, but through the Invictus Games she’s mounting a comeback, and this time she has a reason to win. “Having lost my two friends . . . I’ll be taking them with me and racing in their honour.” While some competitors prefer team sports, Master Warrant Officer Mike Fuentespina loves being alone on his bike. “It’s the freedom on the road,” he said. “There’s really nobody else to answer to . . . you have to own it.”
The 43-year-old has led soldiers on bike trips in Europe and works with ill and injured soldiers on a daily basis. “Events like the games help people get beyond their injuries,” he said.
“Having lost my two friends . . . I’ll be taking them with me and racing in their honour.”
NATACHA DUPUIS RETIRED MASTER CORPORAL