27 June 2024
To say Jamie Smyth has been focused on training in the lead-up to the Warrior Games is an understatement.
With five gym sessions to improve strength, and one competitive game and one training session of wheelchair AFL per week, the Adelaide-based Army veteran certainly has his eye on the prize.
Throw in some shot put training, which he admits needs a little work, and Mr Smyth is understandably ready to make his mark on the international adaptive sporting scene at the 14th annual competition currently underway at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.
A sports nut who grew up playing AFL, NRL, soccer, baseball and golf, Mr Smyth is competing in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and seated shot put.
“It’s been my goal to reach the Warrior Games and Invictus Games for a few years now, ever since my initial application was unsuccessful,” he said.
“I feel a huge sense of achievement already, but I have to admit it still feels a little surreal.
“When I had to give up my career and sport after hurting my knee during a training incident, I went through a tough time. The physical injury led to depression and anxiety; I was drinking and gained a lot of weight. I wasn’t in a good place.
“A friend of mine recommended the Invictus pathways program through the University of South Australia and it went from there.”
Initially, the idea of a free gym membership was the main drawcard; however, after attending a wheelchair AFL come-and-try event, Mr Smyth was hooked.
As a passionate Adelaide AFL supporter, he caught the bug immediately. A few more come-and-try sessions led to being picked up by one of the local clubs and, as his skill level improved, he topped the goal-scoring scoreboard.
In his greatest achievement to date, he played in the national championships last year and was awarded the title of South Australia’s Most Valuable Player and named in the all-Australian team.
While Warrior Games does not offer a wheelchair AFL event, Mr Smyth is excited to be part of the two wheelchair team sports and is happy to share wheelie tips with his teammates.
“It’s such a good team. We’ve got each other’s backs because we’ve all been through the same situation and can relate to each other,” he said.
“Seriously, if you’d told me five years ago that I’d be here today representing Australia in sports, I wouldn’t have believed you.
“Maybe that’s what I’ve been looking forward to most – putting on the green and gold and wearing the Australian flag on my sleeve once again.
“Knowing my wife, Tarsha, and sons, Arlo (7) and Cruz (5), are in the crowd watching me is pretty cool too.”
