The healing power of sport

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