"When people tell me I can't do something, I want to prove them wrong," Brett said.

Their team, the Australian Rollers, beat all the odds to become gold medallists in the men's wheelchair basketball at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.

"I went through such a range of emotions wearing the green and gold," Brendan said.

"I knew it was my last chance before I would retire to compete at that level."

Brendan seized that final opportunity when his team defeated long-time adversaries Canada in a 72-60 win in the gold medal match.

"We knew our team was good enough to win," Brendan said. "While the Canadians were falling apart, we all stuck together."

Their camaraderie is rewarded today as each team member receives an Order of Australia Medal, including other Wollongong team-mates Tristan Knowles and Troy Sachs.

"It has made me feel accepted for who I am," Brett said. "This makes me realise how glad I am to live in Australia.

"We are lucky to live in such a dynamic and tolerant community."

He strongly encourages others to chase their dreams.

"I hope that younger kids will not give up when faced with the tough challenges that life presents."