U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist Matt Scott (left)

Matt Scott is fearless, never made excuses

Matt Scott is a five-time Paralympian

Matt Scott is a Detroit Michigan native who began playing wheelchair basketball when he was 14 years old and after graduating high school, was recruited to play on the U.S. Paralympic basketball team. Today, he is a four-time Paralympian (2002, 2008, 2012, 2016) and two-time medalist (1 gold, 1 bronze) who spends his time giving back to the wheelchair basketball community.

Born with spina bifida, a condition that affects the spine. His spine wasn’t fully developed, causing him to have no function in his legs. Complications caused by spina bifida can range from minor physical problems to severe physical disabilities. But this never stopped Scott from reaching his goals and overcoming the odds.

He is a pioneer and champion for not only wheelchair basketball, but for Paralympians and athletes with disabilities as a whole, and he continues to be an outspoken advocate for inclusion and universal participation in sport.

He’s worked with brands such as Nike, Sports Illustrated, Apple, and Ralph Lauren. Additionally, Matt enjoys speaking to adaptive athletes across the U.S. to spread his unique message of overcoming adversity in sports and everyday life.

“My goal is to leave the sport better than I found it, so I strive to align myself with people, companies, and organizations that embody integrity, dependability, elite-level quality, and loyalty.”

His impact extends beyond the court as well. Known unofficially as the Steph Curry of wheelchair basketball, Scott was nominated for an ESPY, became the first U.S. Paralympian to star in a Nike commercial, while continuing to support adaptive sports athletes through a variety of community initiatives and supportive programming.

“Most kids that grew up sports fans dream of being a professional athlete or representing their country in the Olympics in a sport that they love. I am fortunate enough to be living that very same dream despite a physical disability.”

“I live an extremely fulfilling life of adventure, success, and athletic triumph. I have lofty goals and I dream really big, and I wake up every day chasing those dreams and goals no matter what,” he said.

If you can dream it and believe it, that’s great. But it’s the acting and moving and enduring that really sets the wheels in motion (pun intended). Nothing has held Matt back from going for what his heart loved. Being resilient and having a go-getter attitude paired with being surrounded by uplifting people has given Matt the push he needs to achieve his dreams. He inspires people everywhere to dream it and then… do it!

Sources: