US double amputee who lost legs after overdose partakes in 2022 paralympics

A double amputee who lost both his legs after a heroin overdose has represented the US ski team at the 2022 Paralympics - placing 12th and 25th in two slalom events.

Matthew Brewer, 46, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008 for which he was subscribed opiates to help cope with the pain.

He began using the drugs to manage the emotional and physical pain of the disease - which quickly spiralled into regular heroin use.

The once keen surfer, BMX rider and snowboarder developed a strong addiction to the substance, which took over his life and isolated him from friends and family.

Matthew's addiction resulted in jail time, interventions and rehab before he suffered a heroin overdose in 2014 that changed his life forever.

He passed out on his bathroom floor, with all circulation to his legs compromised for nearly 18 hours before he was found.

Doctors were able to save Matthew’s life, but only through performing a double above-knee amputation.

But he has now bounced back - competing at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games earlier this year.