U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Retired Staff Sgt. Janelle Lykon enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in 2004, beginning her career as an Air transportation troop at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachussets.
The mother of two was first introduced to the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program in 2017, and credits her children as her primary motivators throughout her recovery process.
“I want my children to grow up knowing they can accomplish anything they set their minds to; I never want them to see me give up no matter how hard I might struggle,” Lykon said.
So, we are here at the Air Force Academy at your first Warrior Games; what is going through your mind right now? What are you feeling leading up to this competition?
A positive anxiety, nervousness and excitement for sure. Walking around here and seeing all the venues... everything is coming together quickly and feels more real now.
How does it feel being able to represent the Air Force here, specifically in this capacity - as a warrior athlete?
It is a complete honor; I still almost doubt myself as to whether or not this is real and happening. It has been a positive time in my recovery where I am still able to show people what I am made of - that I still have fight left in me.
Do you think the team is ready for this year’s competition? What are some of the emotions everyone is feeling?
I definitely think we are ready. I was nervous not knowing everyone at first, but I feel this year’s team has come together and everyone is rooting for one another; all our training has definitely paid off.
Nothing is without challenge, but perseverance over adversity makes us more resilient. How are all the athletes supporting each other and keeping morale high?
Even when we are not together, we have group chats and call and check in on each other; in our specific sports, we have closed Facebook groups... we all just stay connected and build personal relationships with each other to form deeper, more meaningful bonds.
This competition is about so much more than medals and winning; what do you personally hope to take away from this experience?
For one, it would be amazing to smash my personal records; I hope to meet new people, hear new stories of other warrior’s struggles and solidify the friendships we have build through this program and these adaptive sports.