Overcoming Cancer and Amputation: Dubai Teacher Becomes Inspiring CrossFit Hero
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When Matthew Shepherd was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer at the age of 20, he had to have his leg amputated. This life-altering experience presented him with a multitude of obstacles, both physically and socially. Now, at 34, the British athlete has emerged as one of the world’s best adaptive CrossFit athletes.
Shepherd, a physics instructor at Repton Dubai, a British school catering to students from 3 to 18 years old, participated in the 2024 World Adaptive CrossFit Games in the US. He placed in the top 10 of the lower above-knee division. This impressive feat came after navigating numerous challenges along the way.
Besides overcoming physical challenges post-amputation, there were other aspects Shepherd needed to overcome, such as dealing with other people. In an interview with The National, Shepherd said that people reacted differently to him. If he walked along the street with a slight limp, I would see people staring at him. He found it difficult to get used to that.
However, he did not let difficulties stand in his way. In CrossFit, he always found a way to adapt the different exercises so he could perform them, and he kept trying every year until he qualified for the World Adaptive CrossFit Games.
A journey marked by hard work
Shepherd’s CrossFit achievement stemmed from years of hard work. In January 2010, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. This diagnosis led him to undergo chemotherapy and ultimately required the amputation of his leg. After taking a year off from his university studies, he returned to complete his degree and embarked on a career in teaching. In 2016, he relocated to the UAE to teach.
After years of overcoming the numerous challenges that came his way, Shepherd has distilled his experiences into a simple message:
“Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do anything.”
Shepherd told The National that there were instances when others told him he couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to do something. However, he proved the doubters and naysayers wrong by believing in himself and developing confidence. His recent achievement at the Adaptive CrossFit Games allowed him to prove to himself that he can do the things he wants to do.
CrossFit vs. Adaptive CrossFit
CrossFit is a high-intensity fitness program that incorporates various exercises. Adaptive CrossFit is a modified version specifically designed for athletes with neurological or physical disabilities.
To compete in the 2024 World Adaptive CrossFit Games, Shepherd recorded himself doing different exercises within a set time limit. One of the exercises he performed is called the double-sided coin. In this challenge, the athlete needs to complete 16 dumbbell snatches, 16 burpees, 16 ring dips, and then as many barbell snatches as they can in six minutes.
Shepherd began attending CrossFit classes in 2019 because he was slightly overweight. Since then, he has been going around five times a week.
He also told The National that he had participated in the CrossFit Games’ online stages since 2019. The organizers introduced an adaptive category only in the last three or four years. However, the 2024 games was the first time Shepherd took the competition more seriously.
The 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games featured 15 different categories, catering to participants with various upper- and lower-limb disabilities as well as those with intellectual disabilities.
‘Anyone can do anything’
A traumatic experience, like amputation, can “get people into a little bit of a rut.” However, Shepherd believes that “anyone can do anything.” The Adaptive CrossFit Games proved that people with different disabilities can do anything they set their minds to.
Shepherd emphasized that there needs to be a shift in perspective not only for individuals with disabilities who want to be active but also for those who manage teams, clubs, and gyms. It’s important to recognize that people with disabilities are eager to participate and can truly excel.
Shepherd’s coach, Adrian Hughes, told The National that the journey to the top 10 was inspiring. He added that Shepherd’s mental toughness helped him reach this level.
