Warrior Heroes
I recently had the absolute honor of hosting swimming at this year’s Warrior Games at The United States’ Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Below is a recap of this incredibly moving and inspiring experience that I wanted to share with you all.
The Warrior Games are a Paralympic-style competition for wounded, ill and injured service members. Athletes from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Command, in addition to athletes from the U.K. Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force and, for the first time, the Canadian Armed Forces, will compete in the Games. They will go head-to-head in 11 sports: archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball and, for the first time in Warrior Games history, indoor rowing, powerlifting and time trial cycling.
Below is a journal of my experiences from each of my days at this year’s Warrior Games:
JUNE 7TH:
It’s about to go down! So excited for this incredible opportunity to announce the Department of Defense Warrior Games swim competition tomorrow. Incredible heroes, inspiring stories, & unbreakable camaraderie!
JUNE 8TH:
Today we were picked up at 5:40am with a 7am start time. Here we are in our 86 degree booth where we announced roughly 9 hours straight of the most inspiring sporting event I’ve ever witnessed. One of my longest days ever but hands down one of the most incredible days of my life!
Honestly, can’t find the words to explain what today was like. Literally all the feels. Unless you were there, I can’t effectively articulate the wheel house of emotions. Chills every race. I cried. I laughed. My heart melted. I was inspired. I was grateful. I was motivated. I was honored. I learned.
I witnessed greatness! Department of Defense Warrior Games was one of the most incredible experiences I have yet to be a part of. Humbled, honored, grateful. Thank you to our service men and women and every one who was a part of this event.
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Watch till end. Just a little glimpse of this incredible Games!:
James was the most inspiring to me and many, many more:
One of my favorites moments, getting to meet the athletes. Pictured here with Marine Corps:
That’s a wrap! I was so moved by this event that I wanted to share this journey with you all. I hope it inspires us all moving forward! Thank you again to The Warrior Games and all of the incredible athletes who competed!
Kaitlin xo
