Paul Case, Invictus Games And Conquer The Ocean Challenge

Back in 2023, Paul Case, member of Epic GIGability was selected to represent Team UK at the Invictus Games. 

Photo credit: Paul Case

The Invictus Games aims to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured or sick servicemen and womens through the power of sport. Set up in 2014, it provides an opportunity for those currently serving and veterans to compete in an international multisport event. Invictus, meaning unconquered, celebrates the undefeated spirit of service personnel. As well as offering a competitive environment, the games support recovery and rehabilitation of service personnel physically, psychologically and socially.  

We were lucky enough to catch up with Paul who shared his story about his time serving in the RAF and gave us an insight into his involvement in the Invictus Games. We also found out about Paul’s latest challenge, involving him and 22 other veterans raising money for the Royal British Legion. 

“Last September I spent 10 days in Dusseldorf, where I competed in archery and indoor rowing as part of Team UK in the Invictus Games.

My team selection came as part of a long personal journey which started in 2011, when I was injured in an accident on operations in Afghanistan whilst serving as an aircraft technician in the Royal Air Force. 

Photo credit: Paul Case

Whilst working on a Merlin helicopter, I slipped and fell 15 feet, head first onto the concrete floor. The area around my left eye took the force of the impact, fracturing my skull. Clear fluid ran from my nose and ears and the lads who found me at first, thought I was dead.

This resulted in a traumatic left frontal lobe injury, torn cartilage in my right wrist which required screws to repair. As a result, I developed bacterial meningitis which only exacerbated the brain injury. Ongoing issues from my injuries still affect me on a daily basis, including chronic fatigue, cognitive overloading, confusion, and restricted movement in my wrist.

Sadly, this led to me being medically discharged from the RAF in 2014 after 12 years of service which included deployments to Iraq, the Falklands and Afghanistan as well as operational visits to many other countries.

After discharge, I worked in several different engineering and education roles before finally settling into my current job as a part time Teaching Assistant at Marazion School in Cornwall.

Since being injured, I have been involved as a beneficiary with various military charities, taking advantage of the various recovery opportunities they offer wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. 

This experience motivated in applying to the Royal British Legion for Invictus Games 2023 Team UK selection. I chose indoor rowing and archery as my potential sports and out of over 500 applicants, I was overjoyed to be one of the 59 selected and to be able to represent my country yet again. For the following 6 months, I travelled all over the country and was fortunate enough to receive coaching from national and Olympic level coaches. 

The Games themselves came around very quickly, in September I was flying with the rest of the team to Dusseldorf to compete against 24 other countries. As well as my chosen sports, the games also consisted of various adaptive sports such as athletics, swimming, wheelchair rugby and seated volleyball, to name a few.

Photo credit: Paul Case

Personally, I was very proud of my performances, gaining a PB in both the 1-minute and 4-minute rowing races and coming 22nd out of 55 in the archery event. Other highlights included meeting Prince Harry, taking part in a supportive team row with one of my teammates (who otherwise would have been rowing by herself) and mixing with all the amazing competitors from around the world.

Photo credit: Paul Case

When the Games finished, I decided to carry on with rowing, competing in the British Rowing Indoor Championships (BRIC) in December and also joining the EPIC GIGability, the military  veteran’s gig rowing club based in Falmouth. At BRIC I competed in the IAR6 category, winning gold in the 2K race and bronze in the 1 minute race! 

As impact training causes me severe headaches, I have found rowing, both indoor and on the water, the perfect way to improve my fitness and increase my physical stamina. It has also helped improve my mental wellbeing and helped me socialise more regularly.

But, the 2023 Team UK is not done yet. In January, 22 of us started our “Conquer The Ocean Challenge ”, where we will be rowing, walking, swimming and cycling the distance between the 2023 Games in Dusseldorf and Vancouver, the home of the next Invictus Games in 2025. This challenge will last 6 months and we are hoping to go far beyond the predicted 7867km, all whilst raising money for the Royal British Legion.”

To support Paul and his teammates in their Conquer The Ocean Challenge, please click here.

Thank you and good luck Paul!