Life after the military: Strong Man competitor Ian Currie’s search for purpose and healing required a lot of heavy lifting

The community he left, the friendships he had and the sense of purpose all seemed to have moved on without him- a feeling many combat Veterans understand all too well when returning home.

At the age of 16 Currie watched as the planes flew into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. He recalls knowing in that moment he had a calling and a sense of duty which ultimately led to his decision to enlist in 2004.

“I couldn’t sit there and let someone attack us without the urge to fight back.” Currie said as he stared off into the distance.

Currie became an infantryman and deployed to Iraq in 2005 and again in 2007. During his first tour to Iraq, Currie sustained an injury to his back when he fell nine feet from a Bradley fighting vehicle in full gear. This injury did not stop him from continuing to serve, but it did provide an added hardship.

“After falling, I could barely walk upstairs. The pain was excruciating.” recalls Currie.

In 2008, he returned home changed with memories no one could understand or wanted to understand. Transitioning from military to civilian life proved to be difficult.

“I remember thinking no one understands the smells, the constant need to watch over your back nor did they want to.” Currie said, “When I left for the Army, my friends were still home but when I returned they were gone and home seemed so different. You expect it to be the same and it isn’t, life continued without you there.”

Ian Currie sought mental health treatment immediately at the White River Junction Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. He needed help bridging the gap between civilian and infantry life. While receiving treatment he found his isolation was partially due to the lack of sense of purpose, not having a goal to achieve.

“I tried exercising and lifting to just stay in shape, but it didn’t seem like enough.” Currie said, “I became involved in semi-pro football where I learned about CrossFit and decided to try, in an effort to not only be strong, but to be athletic as well.”

Currie continued to gain competence in CrossFit and became a CrossFit Coach to help those around him become the fittest versions of themselves. Competitively Currie moved onto Powerlifting as moving the heaviest weight possible was more his speed. This didn’t seem fulfilling enough for him either. He soon began training for Strongman competitions which is where his passion and sense of purpose came back. Strongman is the sport of moving odd objects; lifting stones, carrying a yoke, pressing logs, throwing sandbags, etc.

“I was working towards something; I had a goal and the community that came with it was an added bonus. When you go around to competitions in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, you keep bumping into the same competitors, with whom you build rapport with. Through social media we stay up to speed with each other’s progress year round,” Currie said.

In 2016 his back began flaring up again and Currie sought help with Physical Therapy at the White River Junction VA in Vermont. His Physical Therapist worked with him to help him better understand his current pain and the physiology behind it.

“The goal of our sessions is to identify the primary pain generators and/or perpetuating factors to someone's pain. Once identified, the goal is to remove or remodel the barrier(s), whether through corrective therapeutic exercise and/or manual therapy.” his Physical Therapist Dr. Baron Tang Sr. explains, “There is constant evaluation and re-evaluation for symptom response and a constant reprioritization of competing complaints which we tailor each session to the Veteran’s unique concerns.”

“What has impressed me the most about my care at the VA is their thoroughness.” Currie said, “I came in with back pain and unsure what would come of it then as my complaints evolved, they quickly and easily referred me to other specialty cares within their system.”

Currie has received Physical Therapy, Battlefield Acupuncture, and Chiropractic care among others. He was also seen in the Pain Clinic for injections at his lower back which helped him get through a time when his pain was at its worst.

“Being invested in someone's well-being often extends beyond the musculoskeletal realm.” Explains Dr. Tang Sr., “Whenever other needs arise or we're not gaining an expected amount of progress, we're fortunate to be able to smoothly coordinate with other highly skilled and compassionate providers throughout the facility to help all aspects of someone's health.”

After receiving care for his pain and education on how to minimize chance of re-injury, Ian Currie has competed in 15 Strongman competitions at regional and national levels. He has won several, and consistently places high since beginning in 2018, but he’s most proud of the trip to Columbus OH in 2019 to compete at the national level. Currie is also a proud coach for the local Track and Field high school team and personal/group trainer in maximizing performance through Powerlifting, Strongman, Weightlifting, CrossFit, Highland Games, and even Obstacle Racing.

“My current goal and dream is to open a gym that offers group training and peer support for members of the community at all levels of the fitness spectrum” Currie said, “I aspire to create a community within my gym where people come and belong with the added support network. I will help them gain. Community is something we all need, and I want to provide that for those seeking it.”

Ian Currie is currently in the running for Mr. Health and Fitness, a competition where the general public can vote for him. If he wins he will take home the title of Mr. Health and Fitness 2023 and will be featured in Muscle and Fitness magazine, read by millions. He would also win a cash prize that he would use to open his gym and begin embarking on his dream of creating a community for Vermonters.

“I couldn’t have done this without the unwavering support of my VA clinicians and community.” said Currie.

Currie urges other Veterans to consider reaching out to the VA if you haven’t already, “There is always progress to be had if you allow yourself to be vulnerable. Show your vulnerability to get the most out of it. Ask for assistance and help in both your mental health and physical health.”

Ian Currie’s next competition is ‘Tartans & Flannels: Vermont Highlander’ on July 22nd in Winooski VT, which is a blend of Strongman and Highland Games.