THE loss of both legs has not stopped ex-serviceman Curtis McGrath OAM from striving forward.
The former Australian Army sapper was injured in Afghanistan five years ago after he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED).
But he lived to tell the tale and share his message of hope.
The 29-year-old spoke to Faith Lutheran College Redlands students today about the importance of finding opportunities from negative events.
His appearance has come ahead of Anzac Day on Tuesday, April 25.
The war veteran said giving up achieved nothing.
“I hope the kids get a little bit of motivation and despite maybe a failure or negative situation that might have happened to them, find ways and opportunities that might arise because of that failure,” he said.
While Mr McGrath once served his country with pride, he now represents Australia in the international sporting arena.
The athlete won a gold medal at last year’s Rio de Janeiro Paralympics in the 200m KL2 paracanoe race and has competed in sporting events in Germany, Italy and Russia.
He also swam and rowed at the Invictus Games last year in Orlando and swam at the 2014 tournament in London.
For more information about his sporting achievements and motivational work, visit his Triumph Over Tragedy web page here.