1% Chance to Live: Firefighter Matt Long’s Epic and Inspiring Story

In this episode of the Jon Gordon Podcast, I talk with former Fire Fighter Matt Long, whose resilience and determination have inspired countless people around the world. Matt's journey is one of unimaginable hardship and triumphant recovery, and today, we're diving deep into his story.

After a catastrophic accident left him with a mere 1% chance of survival, Matt began an arduous journey back to life and eventually finding a life filled with purpose. Listen as he shares candid details about his grueling recovery process, from unconventional rehabilitation methods to the incredible support of his firefighting community. Not only did Matt battle through his injuries, but he also achieved remarkable milestones post-recovery. He ran a marathon within three years of his accident and even conquered an Ironman competition. But Matt's story isn't just about physical achievements; it's about the power of hope, the importance of community, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

Matt also talks about his career shift from a Wall Street accountant and bar owner to a firefighter and now a motivational speaker and author. His book, "The Long Run," details this incredible journey and serves as an inspiration to many. We’ll touch on how he found love and family later in life, adding another layer of depth to his already remarkable story.

Join us for this powerful conversation with Matt Long – a true testament to the human spirit. Be prepared to be moved, inspired, and reminded that with hope and resilience, anything is possible.

 

About Matt,

Matt Long has been a competitive athlete his entire life. As a member of his high school basketball team, he was required to run in the Brooklyn/Queens X-country Championships. With no prior running experience, he finished fifth for his school, completing the race in uncomfortable high top sneakers. At Iona College, he competed in their Division I basketball program for which a high level of fitness was mandatory.

Strength and endurance became especially paramount in his life after college when he became a New York City Firefighter. It was around this time he took up distance running and began competing in Ironman triathlons, finishing his first Ironman race in 2005. He then set his sights on qualifying for the Boston marathon by running the ING NYC marathon later that year. With hard work, dedication and persistence, he trimmed 30 minutes off his personal best to run a 3:13, qualifying for the 2006 Boston event.

On the morning of December 22, 2005, Matt Long’s life changed in an instant. He was cycling to work in the early morning when he was struck and run over by a 20-ton bus making an illegal turn. The injuries he sustained pushed him to the brink of death. He received 68 units of blood in the first 40 hours after the accident and spent 5 months in the hospital. More than 40 operations later, he finally began a grueling rehabilitation regime. Matt found the psychological consequences of the accident nearly as hard to process as the physical severities. His doctor had told him he’d be lucky to ever walk again without a cane.

Matt fought through months of fear, despair, loneliness, and intense physical and psychological pain to regain the life he once had. His recovery was a miraculous one which included everything from learning to walk again and, a mere three years later, running in the 2008 New York City Marathon. “Running saved my life,” Matt says, and his determination and perseverance has turned him into a symbol of hope and recovery for countless others.

Matt’s story was covered in a wildly popular article in the March 2009 edition of Runner’s World magazine. Matt has since chronicled his life and journey both before and after the accident in his book The Long Run, released in October 2010. Matt has also started the I WILL Foundation which provides coaching, training and financial support to help people overcome adversity and challenges caused by illness or traumatic injury.  

 

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