Casino based Corey O’Donnell’s story is one of resilience and transformation, but more importantly the pursuit of a better life. His journey to wellness has inspired his family, peers and friends, as well as the wider Northern Rivers community, after he took himself from a place of physical and mental despair to one of hope and joy, claiming an Australian heavyweight boxing title along the way.
Working as a correctional services officer in the NSW prison system, Corey rose through the ranks quickly and made his mark on the industry, but it came at a cost. The harsh realities of the job and a traumatic incident took a toll on his mental health, leading to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and his medical retirement in 2012.
As the emotional weight of his experiences grew heavier, so did his physical weight, and he eventually ballooned to 195kg. He knew he was on the brink of serious health issues, and faced with this stark reality, he had to make a change – not just for himself, but for his son, Cam.
The turning point came when Corey realised the impact his condition was having on his life and his relationships.
“I saw a photo of myself with my young bloke Cam, and I just looked like a time-bomb ready to explode and have a heart attack. So, I thought let’s do something about this.”
Corey found an unlikely ally in boxing, and began training regularly, pushing his body and mind to new limits. Over time, Corey shed more than 70kg, transforming his body and outlook on life. His dedication and perseverance paid off, culminating in a remarkable achievement: becoming a Masters’ World Boxing Foundation Novice Champion in the heavyweight division.
“I put a post up on Facebook, just hitting the bag, and a trainer from Ballina, Bevan Connor saw it and gave me a call. He said, ‘why don’t you get into masters boxing and see how you go?’”
With the help of Connor, he employed a rigorous training regime for both his mind and body, and with his weight down to 114kg, he was ready for his first fight.
Matched against a bigger, more experienced opponent, he was warned it could end badly, but he was motivated, confident and ready. He achieved a draw but impressed everyone with his performance and just four months later, he was fighting for the novice Australian title. That very title belt now lives proudly on his wall, serving as a reminder to Corey of how far he has come. The sport has now become a passion for Corey, and more fights are in the works.
Today, Corey O’Donnell is a testament to the power of transformation. He speaks openly about his ongoing battle with PTSD, acknowledging that while he has come a long way, the journey is not over. “PTSD is a journey, not a destination,” he says. “There are good days and bad days, but I’ve learned to navigate them better.” Corey’s candidness about his struggles and triumphs serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
“I’ve definitely inspired lots of people, and I’m stoked when I see mates commenting on my Facebook posts about my diet and my boxing. I’ve also got a massive social network through PTSD, from friends in the army and police service, to people who know me from my new role, where I’m a safety, health and sustainability officer.”
Corey said he is often contacted by people from his former network in the corrective services industry thanking him for speaking up about PTSD and raising awareness of the condition. “I’m always happy to tell my story because if it saves just one person, I know I’ve done the right thing.”
Corey O’Donnell’s story is not just about weight loss or athletic achievement; it’s about reclaiming your life and finding a path to healing. Corey continues to inspire those around him, showing that with courage, determination, and the right support, anyone can overcome their challenges and emerge stronger than before.