Career change spurs veteran to represent Australia at Invictus Games

Images courtesy of Australian Department of Defence. 

Losing the only career she’d ever known – or planned for – wasn’t something Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch Advocate Taryn Barbara expected. 

The now Brisbane-based mum of two was medically discharged from the Army after 14 years of service in 2018.

“I joined the Army straight after I finished school in 2004,” she says. 

She cultivated a Defence career, participating in a range of humanitarian operations including supporting flood clean-up and becoming a physical training instructor. Unfortunately, a cumulative back and hip injury meant she was medically discharged. 

“I tried rehab, which worked initially, but not long term – which meant I couldn’t continue working in Defence. It was a hard time,” she explains. 

“I lost my identity, and everything I could once do, I couldn’t do anymore. I wasn’t sure where I could go from there.” 

NEW FOCUS 

Taryn (right) with a teammate at the Invictus Games

During Taryn’s transition to civilian life, a friend suggested she sign up for the Invictus Games. She made the team. 

The Games are a multi-national sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service men and women. They have been held in London, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney and The Hague (2022). 

“After I left Defence, one of the biggest things I noticed was that when things around you aren’t great you tend to focus on all the things that aren’t in your life anymore. It can be difficult to set goals when you’re in that headspace.

“Being selected to be on the Invictus Games team in 2018 and 2022 let me restructure and rediscover my focus again. Having to go to training and being involved in something really let me start to see things positively again.” 

Taryn competed in swimming, volleyball and powerlifting, winning four gold and one silver medal. She says it was humbling to see others around her with similar stories. 

“It is quite humbling to see others around you in a similar circumstance. You can help each other out. Everyone has good and bad days, and in that environment, everyone knows what you’re going through. They understand what you’re talking about – you all speak the same language.” 

A changed FRAME OF MIND 

Taryn competed at the 2018 and 2022 Invictus Games

Competing at that level helped Taryn find structure again in her personal life. 

“When you leave Defence, the structure you are used to is one thing you lose as well. So, getting back into training and having to go out – even when I didn’t feel like it – let me restructure my life. And I got to bring people along with me and help them out.”

She says competing at the games was absolutely amazing. 

“There are so many people there from all different walks of life, who have had something challenging come their way. And you’re seeing them just push forward and kick goals. I can’t put into words what the atmosphere was like. It was very inspiring.” 

Taryn says post-Invictus Games, she has started setting some smaller challenges for herself. 

“Swimming is one of my main sports and it’s something I’ve really had to learn. There is a lot of technique to it.” 

Taryn volunteers her time helping fellow veterans in her role as an Advocate and is a big supporter of the community that Gaythorne RSL Sub Branch has given her.

“We don’t connect with our RSL Sub Branches enough. Just being a part of the community has been great and allowed me to give something back. I went through my own tough time and I see a lot of others in a similar place. I can offer them a friendly face to turn to and know they’re heard. 

“Just come and say hello to people. Some people aren’t sure what the atmosphere will be like and they can be reluctant to come and see. It’s a welcoming environment and if anyone is wanting to meet like-minded people or help in general – your local RSL Sub Branch is definitely a place to start.” 

Find more information about the Invictus Games and RSL Queensland.

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