Travels From New South Wales
Damien Thomlinson
Inspiring Australian veteran with a love of adventure
After hearing his grandfather’s military stories, Damien Thomlinson joined the Australian Defence Force at age 24 and climbed the ranks to becoming a Commando shortly after.
Damien is no stranger to taking on dangerous tasks that require peak physical and mental condition. Working alongside an elite group of soldiers, much of Damien’s military experience has occurred behind enemy lines with armed forces.
In 2009, Damien was on a night patrol in South Afghanistan when they drove over an improvised Taliban bomb. Suffering life-threatening injuries, Damien would come out of the incident with two amputated legs. In spite of this, Damien faced the challenge head on, frequently participating in rehabilitation exercises with his new prosthetic limbs.
In an effort to challenge himself, Damien took his prior surfing experience and applied it to a new hobby – snowboarding. He completed the US Marine Corps Paralympic Trials alongside four other Australian Defence Force members, before going on to represent Australia as a snowboarder in the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Russia.
Not long after, Damien participated in the TARGA Tasmania classic car rally to raise funds, and has also trekked along the 93-kilometre Kokoda Track through the jungles of Papua New Guinea. He devotes the trek to his friend Private Scott Palmer, who tragically died in a helicopter crash a mere week before he was meant to return home.
Damien continues his fundraising initiatives for organisations like Legacy and the Commando Welfare Trust; he is passionate about helping other injured soldiers and their families by raising money and awareness.
In 2018, Damien’s determination was put in the spotlight when he took on Survivor Champions as a contestant. Thanks to his performance, he proved that people were capable of adapting to any situation and achieve the impossible.
Drawing on his experience as a high-ranking Commando and prolific Paralympian, Damien is passionate about sharing his drive and love of adventure with audiences across the globe. He is the perfect inspiration for any audience seeking the determination to overcome hurdles and achieve any goal in life.