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In 2018, Matthew \\u201cMatty\\u201d 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\\u2019s 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\\xa01994 right\\xa0after 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 \\u2013 Ironman World Champion and Half Ironman World Champion. As a motivational speaker, he advocates for the benefits\\xa0sports\\xa0provides for the mind, body and spirit.

Connecting with like-minded people and building a support network has been a big part of Matty\\u2019s rehabilitation. His strong support network includes Willow, a six-year-old chocolate Labrador\\xa0whom\\xa0he met at the Invictus Games in 2018 through Integra.\\xa0Willow assists\\xa0him in competing at events around the world.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team