American Hero Competes in Invictus Games
A wounded warrior and TBI patient from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin recently competed in the Invictus Games May 8-12 in Orlando Florida.
“The word ‘invictus’ means ‘unconquered,’ and is the perfect word to describe AJ Mohammed of Oconomowoc, an article by Fox 6 News reads. “He is an inspiring athlete, and also, an American hero.”
Whether it’s riding a bike, running on a track or lifting weights, Mohammed is always working towards a new goal. More than a decade ago, while serving in the United States Army, Mohammed was severely wounded.
“I was injured in May 2004. Injuries were sustained while on patrol in the Middle East,” Mohammed said in the article. “I have significant vision loss, hearing loss, facial paralysis. I had a spinal cord injury. I had to overcome traumatic brain injury and I’m suffering from PTSD. I was very withdrawn. A lot of anxiety problems. I didn’t like going out too much. And just looking to find a purpose or a beacon of hope in my life coming back from the war.”
Read More: Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney in Wisconsin
Mohammed competed in the Warrior Games in Quantico, Virginia, and then eventually advanced as a member of Team USA to the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida.
“To make the elite team, one has to be an exceptional athlete, but also a wounded, ill or injured service member — active or veteran,” the article reads.
“I use my injuries as a reminder of how much trauma I was going through and went through as basically a standard to show that my strength of will is great,” Mohammed said in the article.
Mohammed began competing in 2015 and he says it’s not only the competition he enjoys, but the camaraderie of his fellow sailors and soldiers.
The Invictus Games were started by Prince Harry after he saw the Warrior Games in 2013. The games this year, the second ever, were held in Orlando from May 8th through May 12th. The Games embody the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel and what these tenacious men and women can achieve, post injury. The Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.
