Triumph Over Adversity: Matt Cable Defies Odds, Conquers Cancer Twice, and Strikes Gold!

The incredible story of Matt Cable, a 2x Leukaemia Fighter and Retired Military Veteran who fought for his life and became a gold medalist.

The phrase, ‘Never give up’, has been used by many over the years, but few have faced the adversity Matt has. After joining the Military in December 2011, Matt was diagnosed with AML Leukaemia whilst on duty. He went on to be a multi-gold medal winner at the Warrior Games, Titan Games and Invictus Games just shortly after.

After discovering his story on TV, we reached out to Matt to hear it first hand. We wanted to showcase his incredible journey as the first Rising Lifters Newsletter issue.

Photography via @mattcable_ on Instagram.

“While I was on active duty orders in 2014, I was diagnosed with AML Leukemia, a cancer of the bone marrow. Shortly after being admitted to the hospital, I endured complete organ failure which should have taken my life. I was in coma and life support for 18 days and lost 60lbs.”

“I let nothing get in my way. I trained morning and night to get my speed and strength back.”

“I made the Warrior Games team in 2017 for team Air Force and won 3 Gold medals and a Silver. Shortly after, I got a call from NBC’s ‘The Titan Games’ and I competed on Season 1, Episode 6. I was able to share my story to millions and give hope and inspiration to those who needed it. It was such an incredible experience.”

“After the Titan Games, I was deployed overseas. 3 months later, I found out my leukaemia had returned and I had relapsed. I received a bone marrow transplant but I got very sick from the Chemotherapy which led to fungal sinusitis and I found myself back in the Intensive Care Unit on life support fighting for my life. I fought for my life and woke up. All I knew was to fight, so that’s what I did.”

“Throughout this entire process, I remained in the gym almost daily. I competed on Team USA at the 2022 Invictus Games and brought home 7 medals. When I got back, I qulaified for the ‘DOD Warrior Games’ and won another 7 medals, it was such an incredible experience.”

“The fight is what keeps me motivated each day. One of my biggest goals in life is to help as many people as I can by overcoming whatever obstacles may lie ahead, no matter how big.”

“I have beaten death multiple times and I have realised that life is over in a blink of an eye. Do not waste it doing something that you do not love. Be obsessed with your goals.”

Matt is currently in remission from cancer but is dealing with chronic graft vs host disease (GVHD) which affects his eyes, lungs, joints, muscles, digestive system and nervous system.

It was a true honour to speak to Matt and hear more about his story. Whether you’re fighting for your life, or fighting under the barbell, never give up.

An original interview with Matt Cable (@mattcable_) via Rising Lifters.