Michael Matthews and a Bump in the Road

Peak Athleticism is not easy to come by. It takes years of consistent and often grueling determination, will, skill and a drive that few possess. Even in the most ideal physical circumstances where health and bodily consideration is paramount, blood clots have a habit of finding their way through. On this episode of Taking A Breath we are joined by Professional Road and Track Cyclist Michael Matthews to share his experience suffering a sudden and life threatening pulmonary embolism  during an altitude training camp. What goes on in the mind of an athlete through something so debilitating and unexpected? What does the future hold for Michael as a blood clot survivor and world renowned cyclist? How do we change the expectation around who does and does not experience these harrowing events? Alongside NBCA President Leslie Lake and NBCA Patient Liaison Todd Robertson, this conversation explores not just survival, but what it means to chart a path that will save countless lives to follow. Listeners will hear practical insights on recognizing warning signs, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and finding community on the journey to shaping the future of blood clot awareness.Meet Our GuestsMichael Matthews  Michael is an Australian Professional Road and Track Cyclist celebrated for his unprecedented and meteoric rise and early title of Under 23 Road Race World Champion altho age of 20. He won stages in all three grand tours (Tour de France: 4 individual stage victories 2016, 2017, 2022 ; Giro d'Italia: 3 individual stages 2014, 2015, 2023 ; Vuelta a España: 3 individual stages 2013, 2014) one of a handful of cyclists to achieve said accomplishment. Michael is also a Father and Husband and celebrated worldwide as a world class athlete. About NBCAThe National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing the prevention, early diagnosis and successful treatment of life-threatening blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. NBCA works on behalf of people who may be susceptible to blood clots, including, but not limited to, people with clotting disorders, atrial fibrillation, cancer, traumatic injury, and risks related to surgery, lengthy immobility, child birth and birth control. NBCA accomplishes its mission through programs that build public awareness, educate patients and healthcare professionals, and promote supportive public and private sector policy.Our Hosts Leslie LakeIn 2018, Leslie suffered a bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). Her quest to learn more about venous thromboembolism (VTE) lead her to the National Blood Clot Alliance Despite living in New York City, Leslie was shocked by the lack of information available to her after her PE. As Board President, Leslie is committed to raising public awareness so no person affected by blood clots is without the necessary information they need to prevent or successfully treat VTE, and that they also have the information they need to navigate the spectrum of lifestyle issues that can follow a blood clot diagnosis. Leslie holds a BS in Economics from Simmons College, where she is also a Trustee, member of the Finance and Investment Committees, and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. She is also Board member of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Society of North America (THSNA) and External Advisory Board member of CanVECTOR.Todd RobertsonTodd is the Patient Engagement Liaison for The National Blood Alliance. In 2011, Todd suffered the first of seven blood clots and in 2017 experienced a close call with his first pulmonary embolism. He is a carrier of the inherited clotting disorder, factor V Leiden, and is homozygous, making him aggressive in the abnormal clotting department. He is a motivational speaker for blood clot trauma recovery and is a local patient advocate for new patients. He is working on his first book, “Blood Clots: A Road Map to Recovery.” Todd runs several Facebook support groups and has developed a level of trust and friendship with thousands of patients over the years. He loves to road and mountain bike, white water canoe, and stays active all year round.Linkshttps://www.stoptheclot.org/year-end-donation-page-2025/?c_src=podcast  YouTube: youtube.com/stoptheclotFacebook: facebook.com/stoptheclotInstagram: instagram.com/stoptheclotX: x.com/StopTheClotLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-blood-clot-allianceBlueSky: bsky.app/profile/stoptheclot.bsky.socialTikTok: tiktok.com/@stoptheclot#podcast #health #cycling