Invictus Blog

Defining “Team” Invictus
Written by Justin Nahama

Standing in the cool concrete depths of the Home Depot Center, we awaited our turn to tackle Saturday’s final chipper. Despite winning the battle to control my heart-beat and breathing, I was slowly losing the fight pretending that our chance to compete Sunday was not on the line. A year of training came down to the next twenty minutes. Momentarily, the deafening roar of the crowd cheering on the previous heat silenced my racing thoughts. As the previous heat’s battered athletes emerged from the stadium floor, each of us waiting in the stables nervously smiled as we scanned bodies and faces for any hint of the work that was moments away. Only seconds after I was finally able to begin focusing my thoughts, our judge quickly ushered us out onto the floor.

Instantly, I spotted the Sea of Green wildly chanting as they welcomed us into the arena. I was deeply moved, almost to the point of tears, when I felt the thunderous cheers of unconditional support reigning down on us. I quickly shot my teammates a smile and remembered why we were here: to give full effort and represent the community we love so much. I would like to share three short thoughts about why our Invictus community is so special.

First, “Team Invictus” is not composed of the eight names on the Team Invictus shirts. Every time we have the honor to represent the Sea of Green, each and every person who has helped us along the way accompanies us into battle. Whether it was a shared word of encouragement during the months of pre-Games training, the hugs before and after events, or treatment from our team healers before they had a chance to eat dinner, our community’s energy was channeled to us throughout the weekend. While you may have been spared the rope burns and sore legs, I promise that every member of the Sea of Green was out there moving that weight (and sled) with us. To everyone who helped cook, coordinate, plan, massage, drive, and support us in the arena and behind the scenes in many other uncountable other ways, THANK YOU.

Second, long before the 2012 Games, it was apparent that the core of the Invictus community was unconditional support for each other. (See “Invictus is Different“). That belief was forever crystallized this weekend. Unconditional support allows each of us to acknowledge that “line in the sand” of self-imposed limits. More importantly, the community support allows us to cross that line with the confidence that our fellow Invicti will be there to pick us up if we fall. Exposing our vulnerabilities through full effort provides the opportunity for continuous growth. Having a community with the compassion to recognize those moments instills trust and courage in each of us to cross those lines without fear of reprisal.

Like the Invictus community, the Team’s unconditional support for each other was the glue that held us together. Throughout the year leading up to the Games, there were countless examples of our Team providing unconditional support for each other both in and out of the gym. I will never forget opening my eyes after Saturday’s chipper in the medical room, seeing an IV hanging out of my arm, and smiling when I realized each of my teammates and coach had not left my side. Needless to say, while other teams began to self-destruct when they were challenged, we drew on each other’s (and the Sea of Green’s) strength to forge ahead. From our months of relentless training together and underlying friendships, a quick look was all that was necessary to know when a teammate was in need. The blisters, rope-burns, tears (as in both crying and ripped palms) and throbbing muscles were quelled by the unconditional support of our community. To everyone who supported us at the Games, online, or in a passing thought, THANK YOU.

Finally, despite all the media and Internet hype, the Games can be reduced to a snapshot of the daily trials and tribulations we all experience in the gym and in life. Like each of our quests for fitness and a balanced, happy life, this weekend was replete with ups and downs. Each of us had at least one moment, I know I had several, where that line in the sand reared its ugly head. As with any workout in the gym, we were all faced with the decision to either push forward or back away. With the support of each other and the Sea of Green, I hope our choice was clear. The various vulnerabilities that were exposed and conquered throughout the weekend illustrate the true power of our community. Although the challenges presented this weekend came in the form of barbells, sleds, and ropes, they mirror the daily challenges we face in and out of the gym. Words cannot do justice to describe how proud and honored I feel to share those moments of vulnerability on such a big stage with everyone.

Lawyers are taught that the most persuasive advocates provide the judge or jury with the tools to connect the dots themselves, hopefully arriving at the desired conclusion. Although he ditched the suit, CJ still has a few lawyerly tricks up his sleeve. CJ’s mantra of “full effort is full victory” came to life this weekend. CJ gave each of his athletes the tools to connect the dots themselves. What I learned, however, is that full effort is not possible without the unconditional support of those we care about most. What an honor it was to represent everything we as a community believe in. THANK YOU to my family, teammates, friends, and the Sea of Green for one of the most memorable experiences of my life.