An inspiring Sunshine Coast father of two has returned home from the Invictus Games in Canada with dual gold medals.
Adam Jackson was one of 33 current and former Australian Defence Force members who represented the country across multiple sports in Vancouver and Whistler earlier this month.
He won two gold medals for indoor rowing, as well as competing in Nordic skiing and sitting volleyball, at the Games, which were founded by Prince Harry as a recovery pathway for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.
Adam’s wife Kate paid tribute to her husband, who suffered a severe stroke in 2020 that resulted in deficiencies down his right-hand side, including a non-functional right arm.
“Adam’s journey is about so much more than the gold around his neck,” Kate said.
“Adam is an incredible role model for our girls, his teammates and mentors.
“Witnessing the camaraderie amongst the Australian teammates and athletes from across the world was truly inspiring.
“Our daughters met children from 23 nations, some of whom spoke English and others who did not. We shared gifts with polite Ukrainian children and shared stories with German families.
“We were entertained by the likes of Katy Perry, Chris Martin, Jelly Roll and the Duke of Sussex Prince Harry.”
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Kate said the Invictus Games had been a vital outlet for Adam, 43, after a particularly difficult year.
“The past 12 months have been nothing short of excruciating for Adam and our family. Adam had a melanoma removed from his neck, and his brother passed away unexpectedly three months ago,” she said.
“Yet Adam dedicated 100 per cent to his training every day. The Games gave Adam a goal to strive towards.
“As Adam’s wife, I am incredibly proud of him and his positive attitude. He is extremely humble, which is one of the many traits I love about him.”
Adam joined the Australian Army in 2006 as an avionics technician, working on Blackhawks, MRH90 Taipan Helicopters and Chinooks.
He was deployed to Afghanistan twice and said serving alongside other nations at Kandahar Airfield was the highlight of his career.
But in 2020 his life changed when he suffered a massive stroke.
“Doctors told me I would never walk again. I still have deficiencies on my right side, including a non-functional right hand. I also have other physical and mental health issues,” he said.
“I had to learn to move, walk, eat, speak and write again. I went from being paralysed to walking and trying to run within two months while still in hospital. I was even trying to play handball in a wheelchair with my children. I have used my love of fitness to build up strength and to motivate others.
“I have been on my rehabilitation journey for the past four years. I want to recover the best I can for both myself and my family.
“To have the opportunity to represent Team Australia has filled me with a sense of pride. To be able to stand alongside my teammates and compete with other amazing people from different countries is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.”
He paid tribute to Kate and his children, Maddy and Layla, who had spent countless hours looking after him.
“My family are my ultimate supporters,” he said.
“I also have an amazing team of health professionals who have helped me get to where I am today.”
Adam broke his own Australian record by two metres on his way to winning the four-minute indoor rowing event. He also claimed gold in the one-minute indoor rowing sprint.
