Finding Purpose Beyond Sight: Mike Murphy’s Journey Through Adaptive Sports
Mike Murphy served just under ten years in the United States Army as a 15W unmanned aircraft systems operator. During his career, he was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and Fort Carson in Colorado, traveling the world and working alongside incredible people.
In 2018, while deployed, Mike was involved in a vehicle accident that changed his life forever.
He suffered a head injury that triggered an eye condition called Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuritis, causing him to lose about eighty percent of his vision.
"The sudden loss of vision ended the career I loved and left me struggling with depression, alcoholism, and a loss of identity and purpose," Mike admitted.
Mike’s recovery began when he was introduced to adaptive sports through the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Carson. Learning about the Warrior Games and later the Invictus Games gave him something to fight for.
Training brought structure and meaning back into his life and reminded him that he was still capable of achieving great things.
Adaptive sports helped Mike rebuild confidence, regain independence, and reconnect with a community that understood his struggles.
Mike was selected to be a part of Team US for the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 and had one of the memorable stories from the event.
At the The Hague 2020, Mike Murphy won gold in the IT6 1,500m, racing alongside guide runner Josh Connell, who was drafted in at the last minute and had never ran with Mike before the event.
The pair instantly clicked and their extraordinary story of teamwork and determination was honored with the Jaguar Award for Exceptional Performance at the Closing Ceremony.
“The support of my teammates and the energy of the crowd reminded me that I was not alone and that my journey did not end with my injury,” he said.
Mike's journey at the Invictus Games continued with selection to be a part of the US Team for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
“The Invictus Games showed me that hope, courage, and community can rebuild a life that once felt lost. Sport has given me purpose, strength, and a family that continues to push me forward.”
Mike continues to be an active member of the We Are Invictus Community and recently marched alongside a delegation sent by the Invictus Games Foundation to the New York City Veteran's Day Parade 2025.