From RAF veteran to gold medalist, Elizabeth Brown breaks barriers in sports.
Topics covered
Elizabeth Brown, a 37-year-old RAF veteran, has defied expectations and overcome significant challenges to achieve remarkable success in the world of sports. Growing up in Lincolnshire, one of the flattest regions in England, and now residing in Moray, Scotland, Elizabeth’s journey to becoming a gold medalist in the ISK2 Single Run skeleton event at the inaugural Winter Invictus Games in Whistler, Canada, is nothing short of extraordinary.
Overcoming physical challenges
Elizabeth’s path to the Invictus Games was paved with obstacles. After a decade of service in the Royal Air Force, she faced a series of injuries that left her struggling to maintain her athletic pursuits. An ankle injury sustained during training at the age of 17 was initially dismissed as minor, leading to years of misdiagnosis and persistent pain.
Despite being told to push through the discomfort, Elizabeth’s condition deteriorated, culminating in a diagnosis of an osteochondral lesion that had been overlooked for years.
In addition to her ankle issues, Elizabeth battled a worsening back injury and was later diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her spine. The physical toll of her injuries was compounded by the emergence of functional neurological disorder (FND), a complex condition that affects the brain’s ability to communicate with the body. Despite these challenges, Elizabeth’s passion for sports remained unwavering, providing her with a sense of purpose and resilience.
A new beginning at the Invictus Games
When the Winter Invictus Games were announced, Elizabeth saw a chance not only for herself but also for her daughter, Grace. She wanted to show Grace that despite her limitations, she could still achieve greatness. Initially aiming for wheelchair rugby and downhill skiing, Elizabeth found herself selected for skeleton, a sport she had previously competed in before her injuries took hold. The return to the sport was bittersweet, filled with uncertainty about her physical capabilities.
However, once she launched down the track, the fear dissipated, and Elizabeth experienced a profound sense of peace and focus. Her determination paid off as she broke the 100 kilometers per hour barrier, a personal victory that solidified her status as a gold medalist in her weight category. The moment her daughter ran to embrace her after the victory was a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of setting an example for future generations.
Inspiring others through adaptive sports
Elizabeth’s journey did not end with her gold medal. Back home in Moray, she is committed to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and opportunity for others facing similar challenges. Inspired by her experience at the Invictus Games, she plans to launch adaptive floor curling sessions and dreams of establishing a fully accessible leisure center that offers various adaptive sports. Elizabeth believes that everyone deserves the chance to participate in sports, regardless of their physical limitations.
With the support of organizations like the Royal British Legion, which played a crucial role in her journey, Elizabeth is determined to create opportunities for others and inspire them to pursue their passions. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that life’s challenges do not define us; rather, it is our response to those challenges that shapes our destiny.
