Apr 29, 2022
In 2018, Matthew “Matty” Brumby co-captained the Australian team
at the Invictus Games held in Sydney. Four years since leading the
Aussies, Matty is still a massive supporter of Invictus Australia’s
essential work. The Navy veteran shared his lived experience of
trials, tribulations and triumphs with Defence Connect journalist
Nastasha Tupas.
Originally from Devonport, Tasmania, Matty joined the Navy
in 1994 right after finishing high school and spent some
time on board HMAS Newcastle and HMAS Brisbane as a steward. While
undertaking selection to be a Navy clearance diver, he collapsed on
the beach in 2000, and he was then diagnosed with a syrinx, a
fluid-filled cavity in his spinal cord that had paralysed him from
just below the chest down.
After suffering the life-changing injury that cut his Navy career
short, Matty has had a great run as a sportsman. He is an Invictus
Games gold medallist and added these wins under his belt – Ironman
World Champion and Half Ironman World Champion. As a motivational
speaker, he advocates for the benefits sports provides
for the mind, body and spirit.
Connecting with like-minded people and building a support network
has been a big part of Matty’s rehabilitation. His strong support
network includes Willow, a six-year-old chocolate
Labrador whom he met at the Invictus Games in 2018
through Integra. Willow assists him in competing at
events around the world.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team