As the eldest son of Load 28 Managing Director Marcus Rigney, 20-year-old Mitchell is one of Australia’s youngest tower crane operators. Having earned his certification in mid-June, he now operates high above our city’s skyline, training in the company’s TC4 for Festival State Building Group.
But there is more to Mitchell’s story than just a professional achievement, and it represents more than just a career goal for him. It is a symbol of triumph over adversity; a story of resilience and personal growth, and a testament to the strength of the human spirit to overcome the greatest of obstacles.
Two years ago, Mitchell miraculously walked out of the Daw Park Rehabilitation Centre, months after suffering a traumatic brain injury during a speedway accident in the Northern Territory, altering the trajectory of his young life.
Mitchell was racing at Darwin’s Northline Speedway in the wingless sprints on August 18 2023, when tragedy struck, leaving him in the Intensive Care Unit at Darwin Hospital where he was placed into an induced coma.
Medical specialists advised his devastated family to prepare for the worst, indicating poor prospects of him leaving the hospital or regaining a functional life.
Shortly after, Mitchell was transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital via the Royal Flying Doctors Service, where he began to show signs of improvement.
With each passing day, his strength and determination grew. What began as small victories, such as rolling a tennis ball around in his hands, soon became monumental achievements. Through intensive rehabilitation and countless therapy sessions, Mitchell gradually regained his motor skills, learning to talk, walk, and eat again.
“Learning to walk again was undoubtedly the most challenging experience of my life. Even just building the strength to balance and support myself was tough,” Mitchell shared.
The past two years since Mitchell left rehab have been anything but a walk in the park. The road to recovery was steep.
The effects of a traumatic brain injury, particularly at such a young age can be both visible and invisible, creating obstacles that many people do not fully understand, particularly when it comes to changes in personality. This can complicate relationships with co-workers, family, and friends.
There are cognitive and emotional changes that affect memory and attention, emotional regulation, impulse control, empathy and social skills. It impacts relationships, self-identity and confidence.
When asked how the impact of his brain injury affected the relationships in his life, Mitchell said that there was a definite shift in how he communicated with people.
“I suppose the only way I can explain it, is that I lost my filter and just spoke exactly what was on my mind,” he said. “Some individuals understandably found this confronting at first, but overall it has strengthened the relationships in my life as I no longer feel the need to monitor or overthink everything I say.
“Prior to the brain injury, I had a tendency to prioritise other people’s approval over my own needs. Now I just speak my truth.”
Despite the challenges Mitchell faced on his road to recovery, it cultivated incredible tenacity within him, teaching him important life skills such as perseverance, adaptability and problem-solving. As Marcus shared during an interview with local media in late 2023, his son’s comeback will be greater than his setback – and he couldn’t have been more accurate. Mitchell credits much of his strength and determination during his recovery to his father.
“Dad has played a crucial role in my journey over the past two years and continues to support me today. He helped me navigate the hardest period of my life, instilled hope in me, and never wavered in his belief that I could overcome my injury, always reminding me that with hard work, we can achieve anything.”
Mitchell’s journey is one of a young man who has overcome significant difficulties. It’s a tale of fortitude, determination and hope – a story of a teenager who emerged from the shadows of a traumatic brain injury to learn how to operate a tower crane in under two years, creating a life filled with purpose and achievement.
Operating a tower crane is no easy feat, it requires precision, focus, and a steady hand, and Mitchell is determined to master his newfound passion. For both him and his father, this milestone represents more than just a new skill, it stands as a testament to Mitchell’s capacity to overcome adversity.
“I have recently commenced operating a hammerhead tower crane in Bowden, and I am really enjoying learning the machine,” Mitchell shared. “However, I’m taking it one day at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed or putting too much pressure on myself. I’m practicing patience while remaining persistent.”
Every professional accolade tells only part of the narrative. While work achievements are noteworthy, the real story lies in the journey, the people, and the personal growth behind them.
Mitchell’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and the right support, one can triumph over even the greatest of obstacles.
Mitchell said that he has learnt to accept that setbacks are a natural part of any journey and can be our biggest teachers if we approach them with the right mindset.
“Facing setbacks fosters resilience. Instead of giving in to frustration or defeat, I was compelled to keep pushing forward. I now believe that I can tackle future challenges with increased confidence.”
As for his plans for the future, Mitchell expressed his desire to deepen his understanding of the business aspects of the crane industry, with hopes of eventually following in his father’s footsteps. He also has big plans for his racing career.
“My goal has always been to win an Australian title. Getting back into the car last year after my accident, I didn’t know how I was going to feel, but I wanted to prove to myself and others that I could do it.” Mitchell said.
And he did indeed ‘do it’, finishing his season in the top 10 in the National Super Sedan Series. His determination and persistence again on full display.