A WOMBWELL army veteran who was medically discharged after suffering life-changing injuries has thrown herself into sport - and her resilience has paid off as she’s been selected to represent England in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships later this year.
Caroline Buckle, 44, was a member of the Adjutant General Corps and served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Her postings included Kenya, Germany and Cyprus.
She was discharged in 2014 after injuring her leg and suffering from anxiety and depression.
She says the Royal British Legion has been instrumental in her recovery and has assisted her in adapting to civilian life.
Caroline told the Chronicle: “I was injured during service which caused nerve damage to my left leg.
“I suffered badly with my mental health and PTSD which led to my medical discharge in 2014.
“Leaving the army left me feeling adrift and worthless.
“In early 2015, with encouragement, I attended an event that used sports for recovery and rehabilitation.
“Just nine months later, I was part of a team that completed the Enduroman Arch to Arc Triathlon.”
But her sporting journey didn’t stop there - and she says getting back into fitness is something that has helped her overcome a number of challenges.
“I didn’t think that sport would be an option for me,” she added.
“I couldn’t do any sport in the same way because of the injury.
“I thought that I’d never be good enough but taking sport again helped me find my self-worth again.
“In 2016, I was selected for Team UK at the Invictus Games and in 2019 the Warrior Games, participating in numerous adaptive sports.
“This experience helped me rediscover my identity and determine what I needed to work on to heal and thrive.
“Since then, I have continued to engage in various sports, which has significantly aided in managing my mental health and improving my focus, simultaneously enhancing my academic pursuits and professional endeavour.”
And now Caroline has found the sport she really excels at - powerlifting.
“I embarked on my powerlifting journey in 2018, initially focusing on Para Powerlifting,” she added.
“I transitioned to British Powerlifting.
“Despite the physical disadvantages I face, I found bench pressing particularly well-suited to my strengths.
“In 2022 I entered the Yorkshire and North-East Powerlifting Full Power Contest.
“I decided to take on fully able-bodied athletes in powerlifting when I have a leg that doesn’t work due to injury.
“After undergoing major surgery in October 2023 and recovering from a serious infection, I set my sights on selection for the England team for the Commonwealth Championships in 2024.
“I have been training rigourously, participating in both the British and English Championships earlier this year.
“I achieved 87.5kg with an attempt at 92.5kg, I aim to exceed 100kg by October.”
Caroline has now been selected to represent England in the 84+ Women’s M1 category for Bench Press at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships 2024 in South Africa, which take place in October.
But the sport is incredibly expensive and self-funded so she’s asking locals for sponsorship - and she’s hoping to inspire others by telling her story.
“Sport has been key to finding out who I am and how to accept my changes of mobility and mental health,” she said.
“It has helped me to achieve just as much off the field of play in terms of my career.
“I have found confidence and self-belief and made bold career moves to better my own prospects.
“My journey may have started with a single lift, but it takes a whole team of support to get to the platform, I would like people to be part of my support team so I can proudly represent our country and demonstrate the resilience and determination that embodies the spirit of all veterans.”
To donate to the fundraiser, follow the link on the Barnsley Chronicle website.
