With a steely gaze, a steady hand and a strong arm, it鈥檚 hard to believe that Melanie Harris has only been an archer for one year. The retired Canadian Forces corporal from Edmonton, who can pull forty pounds and hit a bull鈥檚 eye, is about to participate in archery at the
鈥淚鈥檓 anxious, of course, but I am eager to represent my country again.鈥� Harris told CTV News.
Harris, 42, was in the military for twenty years, enlisting when she was just 19. She completed four missions overseas, including two tours to Afghanistan, where she injured her back and developed post-traumatic stress disorder.
One of her jobs was being a stretcher-bearer.
鈥淚 got to see a lot of injured people,鈥� Harris said. 鈥淧eople that had dined at my dinner table, people that were supposed to be in my future and didn't make it back, unfortunately.鈥�
There were -- and are -- some difficult days, Harris added.
鈥淚t's been a lot years of therapy and different types of therapy.鈥�
Harris says that archery helps her focus. And being part of a team again reminds her that she is not alone with her injuries.
鈥淭here's a bunch of like-minded people with similar experiences to my own and we all get it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 didn't know I needed the Invictus Games so much until I went to my first training camp and went, 鈥榃ow, I miss this! I miss the camaraderie.鈥欌��
Camaraderie is why she also chose to compete in sitting volleyball.
鈥淚 miss that environment of knowing that someone has my back,鈥� Harris said.
Cheering her on always is her five-year-old son Cooper.
鈥淗e鈥檚 my best friend,鈥� Harris said.
Harris also credits the games with helping in her road to recovery.
鈥淭his is forcing me to get out and train and do what I can,鈥� she said.
With a report from CTV News Alberta bureau chief Janet Dirks
