Marty Dunn’s journey from accident to Paralympian

Geelong’s Marty Dunn was a “typical 22-year-old bloke” when a motorbike accident in 2015 changed his life. The former carpentry apprentice spent his days building houses, working out at the gym and partying at music festivals with his mates.

“I don’t remember the accident, but I know my motorbike hit a brick wall at speed. I woke up in hospital the next day and I couldn’t move my feet or toes.”

Marty took on extensive physio and became a full time wheelchair user, but he was determined to stay positive. He got his driver's licence, the TAC modified his home to improve his safety and increase his independence, and he started spending time with mates again. Then, a twist of fate saw wheelchair tennis appear in his rehab program.

“I used to play as a junior, so I already had some skill. I realised it was really helping with my mental health, so I gave it a proper go.”

Marty went from training one day a week, to two, to five, to national comps, international comps, and then to representing Australia at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. His goal is to be the best in Australia.

“It’s amazing to see my hard work pay off. I hope people who might be in the position I was in six years ago can hear my story and realise that if I can do it, they can do it.”