ABOUT SARAH
I'm Dr Sarah Matthews – veterinarian, former Australian athlete, author, and survivor.
Who I am
I'm Dr Sarah Matthews, and my story isn't typical – but then again, I've never been one to follow conventional paths.
​Born in Australia but raised in Wales and central England, I knew from age seven that I wanted to be a veterinarian. Despite coming from a state school background, I earned a place at Cambridge University – one of the very few state school students to do so. While juggling the demanding veterinary course, I discovered rowing and went on to represent Cambridge in the legendary Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race and compete in a pre-Olympic regatta in Atlanta.
After graduation, I became Australia's first female Fellow in Equine Surgery, combining my love of animals with ground breaking surgical work. But I wasn't done challenging myself – I went on to represent Australia in three different sports: sport climbing, cycling, and triathlon.
My Journey Through Trauma.
In 2015, life as I knew it changed forever. My all-female cycling team had just won the prestigious Race Across America, and I was preparing for the Half Ironman World Championships. During what should have been a routine training run, I was struck by a speeding cyclist in a hit-and-run accident on Sydney's Anzac Bridge footpath.
The result? Major head trauma that left me in an induced coma for 30 days, followed by three months in rehabilitation. I couldn't drive or cycle for six months, and my memory was severely affected. I lost my sense of purpose and direction completely.
Seven years later, just as I was rebuilding my life – working as a veterinarian again, competing for Australia, and raising my daughter born when I was 43 – trauma struck again. A dog attack at work caused a carotid artery tear, brain bleeds, and ongoing seizures. Once more, my world was turned upside down in an instant.
What I've Learned.
These experiences taught me something profound: resilience isn't about being tough enough to avoid falling down. It's about learning how to get back up, again and again, with grace and self-compassion.
I believe in:
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Believing in yourself – even when everything feels impossible
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Accepting support and guidance when it's offered – we weren't meant to heal alone
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Finding joy in movement – exercise isn't punishment or just about outcomes; it's about enjoying fresh air and nature
Through it all, I've discovered that trauma doesn't have to be the end of your story. It can be the beginning of a new chapter filled with deeper purpose and connection.
Why I Share My Story.
I wrote A Rude Awakening and now speak publicly because I know firsthand how isolating trauma can feel. I want others to know they're not alone in their struggles, and more importantly, that recovery is possible. My motivation comes from a simple truth: the healthcare professionals, friends, and family who supported me through my darkest moments changed my life. Now I want to give back to the human health industry and help others navigate their own journeys of recovery.
As one reader – a pilot and friend – shared: "I believe most readers will find a number of situations they can identify with. Reading your book will be a moving experience for them. It will go on to be a useful and helpful one, with your advice and inspiration giving a positive impact to their lives."
Today.
Following the dog attack, I chose to stop working as a veterinarian and to start training to become a paramedic – a career shift that reflects my desire to help people during their most vulnerable moments. I'm also actively involved with Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club where I'm a qualified surf life saver trained in First Aid and ART (Advanced Resuscitation Techniques). During the summer months I work as Age Group Manager for the Nippers program.
Every day, I'm still learning to speak to myself with the same kindness I'd show a friend. It's an ongoing journey, and I'm honoured to share it with others who need to hear that they're stronger than they know.
