Ainsley Hooker

Ainsley Hooker is a veteran of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport in the Australian Army, who enlisted in 2007. But in 2013 she was medically discharged after sustaining an ankle injury. Years of chronic pain, multiple surgeries, and the deterioration of her foot and ankle eventually led to the difficult decision to become a right below-knee amputee in May 2020.

It was a turning point in her career.

“The last six years have been the greatest roller-coaster adventure of my life. What I have been able to achieve since then has been incredible, from riding bikes with my children to school to swimming in the pool. Life has changed for me and my family, but in many ways, it has changed for the better. After being largely confined by pain and medication for 13 years, I know feel like life has opened again. I continue to face mental health challenges connected to my injury and years of isolation, but I am getting support and learning that it is okay to ask for help. My journey toward the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is life-changing, not only for me but also for anyone who may feel that their story is over. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, and help is always available.”

Ainsley has also become committed to supporting fellow military personnel who are on a similar journey to her.

In May 2026 Ainsley was named in the F57 shot put for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

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Ainsley Hooker’s journey in athletics started in primary school.

“My first experience with throwing events was shotput at the age of six. Throughout my schooling, I continued to enjoy athletics, excelling especially in track events and consistently winning races at various school carnivals and competitions.”

At the age of eight, her father enrolled her in the Burleigh Head Mowbray Park surf lifesaving club, where she became a Nipper. “This activity became a regular father-daughter weekend tradition. I participated in lifesaving competitions across Australia, traveling along the coast to compete. My involvement continued until I joined the military and relocated.”

Upon completing her education, she joined the Army Transport division of the Australian Defence Force.

After enlisted in 2007, six years later, in 2013, she would be medically discharged after sustaining an ankle injury.

After her right below-knee amputee in 2020 she undertook rehabilitation where she set a goal to compete in the Invictus Games. “I believed it would foster resilience and well-being. With guidance from Invictus Australia and the Defence Sport Cell, I discovered that my amputation need not be a limitation. A wide range of adapted sports became accessible, reigniting my passion for athletics in a new and modified form.

“In 2023, I competed at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, achieving gold medals in shotput and discus, which marked significant progress in my recovery and athletic journey. Subsequently, I was selected for the Warrior Games in Orlando in 2024, earning bronze medals in both shotput and discus. These achievements confirmed my renewed dedication to athletics.

“Now, I am committed to supporting fellow military personnel as they rediscover their love for sport and strengthen themselves physically and mentally during rehabilitation. Motivated by the ongoing encouragement of my family and friends, I embrace new challenges and opportunities. Life may present unexpected obstacles, but it is never too late to pursue what once brought joy—even if it comes in a different or modified form. The fulfillment and happiness gained are invaluable.”

Memorable sporting achievement: Competing at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany and winning gold in shotput and discus ‘was a life-changing event for me, mentally and physically’…Hero: My hero is my husband. We’ve been married for 18 years, and he has supported me through every challenge, surgery, and setback. He coaches, encourages, manages my equipment, and cares for me when needed. He always believes in me, helps me stay focused, and stands by my side no matter what…Most influential person in career:  My children: my son Luke, aged 15, and my daughter Isabelle, aged 9. While they may not be celebrities or public figures, they mean everything to me. I strive to demonstrate to them that no challenge or obstacle is insurmountable. They regularly attend nearly every carnival and patiently sit in the sun to support me. Their encouragement and have pride in my achievements continually motivate me…Advice to your young self: Releasing the pursuit of perfection, accepting errors as part of growth, and having confidence in life’s timing…hobbies: In my spare time, when I’m not training, I enjoy being with my husband and children. We like playing video games and board games together, and my children often join me in throwing practice. We laugh, tease each other, and enjoy time together like any family. I also enjoy creative activities, including colouring with my daughter, crocheting, drawing and painting. Anything that lets me use my imagination to create something beautiful brings me joy…Sporting ambition: My goal is to continue progressing, with my sights set on the Commonwealth Games in 2026 and the Paralympics in 2028…Interesting facts: Her husband Jayson is the New Zealand wheelchair rugby league captain and is going to the World Cup this year; at the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, she competed in wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball and athletics, winning gold in shotput and discus and bronze in wheelchair rugby; at the Warrior Games in Orlando, Florida, in 2024 she competed in wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, athletics, seated volleyball and seated archery, coming home with silver in archery and bronze in shotput and discus…Hometown: Giru, QLD, a small rural town with 300 people…coach: self-coached in athletics with gym-based training support from Brian Heilbronn (Veteran Performance Program & James Cook University Exercise Physiology program)… Biggest challenge you’ve faced: Competing as a para-athlete in North Queensland is challenging; it took me two years to join an athletics club so I could register. Without a coach or club training times, opportunities remain limited. I travel to smaller carnivals to introduce seated throwing and face less support compared to able-bodied athletes. Still, I believe awareness will grow and conditions will improve. I’m determined not to give up.

@ 22 July 2026 david.tarbotton@athletics.org.au