Corporal Matthew "Gladdy" Gladman's commitment to natural bodybuilding has transformed his life, and now he encourages fellow aviators to harness sport for mental strength and personal growth.
Fresh from a triumphant run in competitions in the United States, Corporal Gladman's hard work paid off in June. Competing in the Classic Physique Division, he won the overall title at the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB) Emerald Coast Classic in Florida on June 14.
This victory came with an OCB pro card, a major milestone certifying his status as a professional bodybuilder and allowing him to compete at the sport's highest levels.
Corporal Gladman's success did not stop there. He also placed second overall at the National Physique Committee (NPC) Riptide Classic and capped off his impressive run by winning the overall title at the Summer Shredding Houston competition, taking home US$1500 in cash and prizes.
"It validates all the hard work. It's such a relief to know that the hard work you put in was worth it," Corporal Gladman said.
"Every day that I went to bed hungry was worth every little sacrifice."
Raised in the Mallee in north-western Victoria, Corporal Gladman, 31, developed his athleticism playing AFL from childhood in rural leagues, where sport fostered community bonds.
From farm life rural Victoria to elite international competitions during his overseas posting, his path exemplifies self-discipline, adaptation and the intersection of fitness with Air Force demands.
"Country football just has more of a family and community vibe to it," Corporal Gladman said.
This foundation has carried into his military career.
Enlisting in 2013 as an Avionics Technician, Corporal Gladman continued playing AFL during initial employment training at RAAF Base Wagga in NSW, then at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia while posted to 10 Squadron.
There, he serviced AP-3C Orion aircraft and electronic warfare systems, often deploying at a high rate and working unpredictable hours. Despite the difficulties, he maintained his fitness, viewing deployments as a test of resilience and an opportunity to focus on training without external distractions.
"I'd still track my food. I would still go to the gym. I would still get my steps in," Corporal Gladman said.
Alongside AFL, the gym soon became a key element of his fitness regime.
"I just thought it would have been beneficial to help me with my football, get a little bit stronger, a little bit heavier," he said.
Initially, he was a lean 77 kilograms despite his 190cm frame. However, what began as a way to improve his football soon evolved into a standalone passion, thanks to the gym-enthusiast technicians he was surrounded by.
"I enjoyed going to the gym. It was me time. It helped me de-stress. It was a nice breakup of my day," Corporal Gladman said.
By 2017, his routine intensified, as did his focus on good nutrition.
Researching macros - proteins, carbs and fats - Corporal Gladman said he soon learnt that he was not eating anywhere near enough to fuel muscle gains.
"Instead of going out and drinking, my priorities were kind of changing. I feel heaps better when I eat clean and track all my food," he said.
In 2023, Corporal Gladman was posted to 80 Squadron, formerly known as the Australia Canada United Kingdom Reprogramming Laboratory (ACURL), at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, United States.
He now instructs joint coalition partners on F-35 mission systems and mission data reprogramming methodology in a structured, desk-based role. He balances these demands with disciplined early mornings, rising at 5am for meal prep (five meals daily), 6000 of his 12,000 daily steps and competition practice - all before starting his work day.
"I manage the majority of my requirements outside of work hours," Corporal Gladman said, fitting cardio into lunch breaks, training after work and prioritising sleep for recovery. Alcohol consumption is now reserved for special occasions.
"I still enjoy having a drink, but it's very, very rare … it's competing with my values and my goals."
Encouraged by friends, in 2022 bodybuilding became his next challenge.
Debuting in Australia's I Compete Natural (ICN) and International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) federations, Corporal Gladman qualified for nationals despite preparation hurdles.
After a recovery off-season to rebuild health and muscle, 2025 has delivered triumphs. But for Corporal Gladman, it is not about the trophies.
"I do it for the mental battle. I ask how far can I push myself, how resilient can I be? It's a selfish sport, but it requires you to do the work," he said.
"Time management is key, so I would say to anyone keen to get involved in sport, just do it - and also seek chain of command support, especially if you want to go to the elite level.
"We worry that our personal goals might not be seen as compatible with our professional duties, but I'd challenge that mindset.
"Sport and military service are deeply connected. The discipline, resilience and values you build through sport directly strengthen your performance as a service member and vice versa.
"Pursuing challenges outside the uniform doesn't take away from your service. It adds to it."
