MY STORY

Setting a charge to blow into a compound, the enemy’s fire forced him to pull back. This resulted in him triggering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The IED severely damaged both of Ross' legs he underwent 10 emergency operations before being flown home.

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In 2009 he was taken to the Headley Court rehabilitation centre to participate in a special "Battle Back" programme.  He spent over three years in rehab and after his legs and knee were shattered by the IED device, Ross had to have a further 32 operations. He also sustained nerve damage and said there had been times when he had wondered if “it would have been better off if I had died" on the battlefield.

Eventually, in March 2010, Ross decided to have his left leg amputated above the knee because of the constant pain he endured.

He also revealed he had battled depression and feelings of anger, but had got through the dark times with the constant support of his family.

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Despite his injuries, Ross went on to complete a marathon in Washington DC, raising over £1million in the process.

Ross has continued to claim victory against the odds by competing for GB Para-Powerlifting, and at his height, was ranked 13th in the world, an astonishing achievement.

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In 2020, Ross has recently participated in the new Channel 4 reality TV show, The Bridge. Ross was part of a team of 12 strangers trying to build a bridge across a lake to an island to win a £100,000 pot of money.

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Currently, Ross is producing & appearing in his very own documentary, ‘Ross Austen’s Extreme Missions’. Each episode will follow Ross as he once again tries to overcome the slim odds and achieve greatness in fields such as Crossfit, sea swimming, and extreme cycling.