# Journey to the (Invictus) Games **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 11, 2018, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649 "2018-02-11T21:48:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2018, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/81 "2018-10-02T22:10:22Z")
Last week was so hard. I didn’t really feel comfortable enough posting it super openly, so instead I am tucking this in here. Ahem - so, a lot of you know that my injury (PTSD) was caused by sexual assaults. Yep. That is a plural. Most of them have happened in the time I have been in uniform. This does not mean, in any way, that the men (and women) I serve with are slathering rapists. On the contrary, the vast majority are consummate professionals, truly my brothers and sisters. But. But…my path has unfortunately crossed with a few predators over the years. The ones that happened when I first joined, I did not report. There were many reasons, I did not think I would be believed, as well as I saw what happened to the women that reported. They were ostracized. They were blamed. They were pariahs. It was easier, so I thought, to “roll with the punches”. Last week, I saw an incredibly brave woman testify to a wall of men about a terrible and traumatic event. So many people asked, “Why did she wait so long?” Because she did. Because she felt she would not be supported before. I know I waited. I waited until one was ready to make the jump to a very high rank, and another to a very high appointment. And then I came forward. So last week was very hard. I am master of my fate, I am captain of my soul. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2018, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/82 "2018-10-02T22:36:38Z")
You’ve been nothing but brave and professional as long as I’ve known you. You reached out to me when I was having trouble coping. Through various posts here, on social media, and in private messages you’ve been a rock and an inspiration. I personally have learned much from you and feel I am a better person for having made your acquaintance. I have come to understand more clearly how victims of sexual assault feel and how very difficult it is to carry that weight. I wish you success in everything in life. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2018, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/83 "2018-10-02T22:53:30Z")
Thank you 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2018, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/84 "2018-10-02T23:18:51Z")
Hello super ninja! What you are doing is incredibly hard, physically and mentally. I admire you for putting yourself out there, and being open about an issue that is very personal. You are a role model for others that they can get through the dark times, whether or not they ever come forward. Last week was horrid on so many, many levels. I empathize with how triggering it all was. I still feel like hiding and/or killing something, mixed with overwhelming despair. Good for you for pushing forward. It makes me smile that this positive action is happening despite all of the negatives in the world right now. {{{hugs}}} ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/85 "2018-10-03T02:29:41Z")
> [@Poysyn](#): > > So last week was very hard. > > I am master of my fate, I am captain of my soul. You are also an inspiration. ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/86 "2018-10-03T02:37:00Z")
> [@Poysyn](#): > > Thank you 🙂 Thank you, for your strength and your heart. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/87 "2018-10-17T06:13:54Z")
Teams have started arriving in Sydney; I assume Team Canada and **Poysyn** are _en route_! [JORDAN, DENMARK AND UK TEAMS ARRIVE FOR INVICTUS GAMES](https://www.invictusgames2018.org/latest/jordan-denmark-and-uk-teams-arrive-for-invictus-games/) ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/88 "2018-10-17T06:41:56Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > You’ve been nothing but brave and professional as long as I’ve known you. You reached out to me when I was having trouble coping. Same here. Thank you again, **Poysyn**. I saw the Canadian team on the news tonight. It was a wide shot, showing everybody, and all I could think of was “ **Poysyn** ’s in there somewhere.” Gosh, those first two paragraphs were easy, but I’ve spent that last fifteen minutes trying to compose a third. I’ve typed, and deleted, and typed and deleted, and it always comes out sounding trite and banal, so I’ve deleted again. So let me just say, “Good luck in the Games.” ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2018, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/89 "2018-10-17T14:17:31Z")
I was going to say “Good luck and make us proud!” But you’ve already done that! So, heaps of good luck and have fun! ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2018, 9:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/90 "2018-10-18T09:03:01Z")
Well…if you ever wondered what I look like, wonder no further. I will say the reporter had to lift two assaults form my story - one is still technically “an open” investigation, and the other, they did not have room. It is fine, the point is made. > **[Veterans who survived sexual assault tackle PTSD by training for Invictus...](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/ptsd-sexual-assault-military-canada-invictus-games-1.4864833)** > > MJ Batek and Donna Riguidel both suffer from PTSD after sexual assaults during military service. Now they're joining other injured service members competing at the Invictus Games in Sydney from Oct. 20 to 27. We arrived in Sydney this morning and I think even my toenails are exhausted right now! I have held on all day and it is nearly time to go to bed!! I am SO EXCITED TO SLEEP IN A BED!! I will post more about the first days tomorrow. Goodnight all ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2018, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/91 "2018-10-18T09:39:20Z")
> [@Poysyn](#): > > We arrived in Sydney this morning and I think even my toenails are exhausted right now! I have held on all day and it is nearly time to go to bed!! I am SO EXCITED TO SLEEP IN A BED!! On more than one occasion, I flew Toronto-Honolulu-Sydney-Perth. Everything is exhausted. I saw my bed in Perth, and just went plop, basically for the next 12 hours. Give it a couple of days, and you’ll be fine. And if you can, enjoy Australia while you’re there–it is a fascinating country, and one I would like to return to someday. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2018, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/92 "2018-10-18T13:35:35Z")
I know you can’t hear them from Over There so I’m not going to try to yell loud enough, but count yourself cheered on from France, both for the Games and for your work with Operation Honour. _give us a P…_ ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2018, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/93 "2018-10-20T03:50:28Z")
Opening ceremonies tonight, and I start off with cycling. I am super grateful that I signed up for it - I have developed a love for the bike commute, and, every so often, I do something like go down a hill or dodge an obstacle and my mind goes back to when I was a kid and riding your bike felt like freedom and my mind goes “WHEEEEEE!” BUT…I won’t get a medal for my cycling. I am a probably average cyclist, and I understand at least one country has two former Olympians in their ranks. FINAL BUT…I am so happy for remembering the “Wheeeee!” feeling, and I know next summer I will do a few triathlons, so cycling is a SUCCESS. WHEEEEE! ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2018, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/94 "2018-10-20T05:31:38Z")
Best of luck! I’m rooting for you! ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2018, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/95 "2018-10-22T11:43:44Z")
So damn proud of you! ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2018, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/96 "2018-10-22T15:09:12Z")
Well done just for getting there and the very best of luck in the races. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2018, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/97 "2018-10-25T00:24:47Z")
So…my journey got cut short. My mom’s condition went downhill much faster than anyone anticipated, and they had to pull me back. I just got into Ottawa, and will be flying to Winnipeg tomorrow. Fingers crossed I can make it in time. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Knig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2018, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/98 "2018-10-25T00:31:26Z")
Oh, **Poysyn** I am so sorry about your Mom’s condition. I wish you and yours all the comfort and support you need. We are all very proud of what you have accomplished. You and your fellow competitors represent the best. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2018, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/99 "2018-10-25T00:36:36Z")
I’m very heartbroken for you. I have no words. I’ll be in touch by PM. You’ve been an inspiration to us all, and will continue to be an inspiration. \<3 ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2018, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649/100 "2018-10-25T03:04:20Z")
Sorry about your mom, **Poysyn**. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/journey-to-the-invictus-games/808649.md?page=6)