UPDATE: Former football star Matt Seiter triumphantly completed a challenging 70.3 Ironman in Melbourne on November 9, 2023, following a traumatic injury that left him hospitalized. Seiter, who faced life-threatening complications from a severe injury earlier this year, is now sharing his inspirational journey of resilience and recovery.
Just months ago, Seiter suffered four broken ribs, a punctured lung, and hemothorax after returning to the field for a game of footy. This led to multiple surgeries, including a grueling seven-hour operation in Melbourne, which posed risks of losing part of his lung. Seiter and his wife, Emily, faced a harrowing wait as they navigated the uncertain waters of his recovery, with Emily managing their family back in Albury.
While recovering, Seiter made a life-changing decision to train for a half-ironman. “I need a goal to work towards,” he recalled after a visit from friend Luke McCormack, who inspired him to take on this daunting challenge. The half-ironman consists of a 2-kilometre swim, 90-kilometre bike ride, and a 21-kilometre run, but Seiter’s true battle lies in overcoming his mental hurdles and redefining his identity after a storied football career.
Diagnosed with ADHD, Seiter struggled with his transition away from the sport that had defined him. “I found comfort in the safety and familiarity of the football setting,” he explained. “I realized I needed structure and a goal to maintain balance in my life.”
Seiter’s training regimen was intense, committing to two hours daily, escalating to three hours a day in the weeks leading up to the event. Despite weighing 140 kilos at the time, he pushed through self-doubt, fueled by support from Emily, who urged him to “suck it up” and embrace the challenge.
However, the weather on race day posed its own challenges, leading to the cancellation of the swim. “I was disappointed because I had trained hard for that,” he said. Despite this setback, Seiter completed the bike ride and run, crossing the finish line with a sense of relief and accomplishment.
“It was a mental battle, but I did this for me,” he remarked, emphasizing the personal significance of the challenge. While he can no longer play contact sports, Seiter remains active in the football community as an assistant coach at Kiewa-Sandy Creek.
Reflecting on his journey, Seiter stated, “There’s so much more to footy than just playing. It’s about the lessons learned and the friendships made.”
As Seiter continues to navigate life post-injury, he aims to balance routine and energy levels, proving that resilience can lead to new beginnings. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and pursue new goals, resonating with anyone facing their own challenges.
