Legally blind and having endured more than 40 operations on his heart, lungs, brain and ears, Matthew Levy isn’t your average international or Olympic athlete.

The 24-year-old from New South Wales was born 20 weeks premature with Cerebral Palsy - a term for a group of disorders that affects one’s ability to move and maintain balance caused by damage to motor control centres in the brain.

Now an Australian Paralympic Games swimming finalist and World Championship medal holder, Levy has shown extraordinary willpower to defy all odds to not only be alive, but succeed in the international sporting arena.

“From a very early age, I tried to make myself the best I could be by having a positive outlook on life and not letting obstacles get in my way,” said Levy, who is preparing to compete in his third Paralympics in London later this year.

“Competing at the Paralympics is a great reward for years, months, days and hours of hard world and sacrifice.”

Taking up swimming for health and fitness reasons at age 12, Levy first represented Australia when he was only 13 years old, yet admits he struggled at times with accepting his condition.

“I guess the physical limitations caused frustrations and difficulties and sometimes it was hard for me to come to terms with,” he said.

“It was a great challenge and obstacle that I had to face, one that required persistence and determination.”

Having gained a Diploma in Sports Marketing, a Certificate III in Hospitality and Technology and a first aid certificate just to name a few of his credentials, Levy is also juggling a demanding swimming regime with numerous volunteer and public speaking activities.

Currently an Australia Day Ambassador and part of the Vision Australia Speaking Program, Levy says sharing his story with the wider community has proved, and continues, to be a “fantastic experience”. 

“Not a lot of people would have been to the places I have been, or experienced the type of things I have, so to be able to share my story is super cool and something I am only too happy to do,” said Levy.

“The fact that there are people out their willing to listen and hear my story is a pretty awesome thing, but to be able to inspire them to better themselves is just amazing.”

Levy says that strong support from family and friends over the years has kept him going and credits his parents for their long hours of constant commitment and encouragement.

“The Paralympics is one the greatest achievements and to be able to represent your country is a proud and humbling honour,not only for me as a individual, but for my parents who are always there, as well as my coach and support staff,” he said.

“It is a team effort.”

Levy encourages other young people living with Cerebral Palsy to realise their dreams and know that nothing is stopping them from reaching their goals.

“I think just believing in yourself and never giving up is very important and something that always sticks in my mind,” said Levy.

“Baby steps or little improvements may not seem much but to be able to overcome an obstacle- you also need to be able to trust in yourself.”

While life has certainly thrown a few obstacles Levy’s way, he continues to see things in a positive light and is determined to make the most of each day. 

“The biggest thing I have learnt in life is to cherish every day and to wake up with a smile on your face,” he said.

“Life is all about challenges so you may as well face them happy, not sad.”

Catch Matt in action at the 2012 London Paralympic Games from Wednesday, 29 August to 9 September.