Invictus Games Alumna Turns To Lifesaving World Champs For New Challenge
Next week, a group of 22 veterans will head to the Gold Coast to form Team Invictus Australia, ready to compete on the international stage at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships. For some in the group, team sports such as this are used as a way to create a sense of community, bringing individuals with a unique background in service, transition or civilian life together. For others, such as Erin Brigden, Invictus and Warrior Games alumna, events like this are integral for their ongoing rehabilitation and recovery journey.
A JOURNEY OF SERVICE AND TRANSITION
Erin is an army veteran, having joined the Australian Army in October 2014 as a Fitter Armourer. In early 2023, she was medically discharged, which brought its own challenges. As Erin explains, “My biggest struggle when leading up to my medical discharge and reintegration to civilian life was the social isolation I was experiencing.” During this time, she discovered the transformative power adaptive sports could have on her recovery.
EMBRACING ADAPTIVE SPORTS
Erin’s engagement with the Adaptive Sport Program (ASP) began in 2023, marking a significant turning point in her post-service life. Delivered in partnership between the Australian Defence Force and Invictus Australia, with the aim to enhance the lives of current and former serving personnel through adaptive sports, this program gave Erin a new purpose, allowing her to foster new relationships and gave her a platform to excel. She was selected to compete at the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023, and competed in indoor rowing, powerlifting, and swimming, calling the experience “one of the best of her life.”
She continued to build on this momentum at the 2024 Department of Defence Warrior Games in Orlando, where she once again showcased her skills in athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, and swimming. For Erin, these events were pivotal points in her transition back to civilian life. She explains:
“My Invictus and Warrior Games campaigns helped me find support and connection when I needed it most, from people who had also been through their unique but similar journey.”
“These events have also provided me the opportunity to train towards big goals in a conservative manner and focus on prioritising recovery and longevity,” Erin continued.
Despite applying for selection for the Invictus Games 2025, Erin’s want to support her loved one’s like they had supported her adaptive sporting journey led to her withdrawing her application. “My husband is still currently serving in the Air Force, and an opportunity for him to deploy came up. Unfortunately, the dates were likely to clash with IG25. He’s always supported me traveling and being away for Invictus training camps and competitions, so I wanted to return that support for him where he needed it,”
A NEW CHALLENGE
With the ASP behind her, Erin still craved the international sporting environment, missing the journey towards a common goal and the camaraderie she felt when in a team. Erin decided to pursue a new opportunity that would allow her to stay engaged in competitive sports, applying for Team Invictus Australia at the Lifesaving World Championships. Her background in surf lifesaving was relatively modest, limited to leisurely surfing and a brief stint as a lifeguard at a waterpark. Despite this, Erin’s willingness to embrace new challenges and her passion for adaptive sport led her to this new venture.
THE POWER OF SPORT IN RECOVERY
Erin’s enthusiasm for the Lifesaving World Championships is fueled by the same passion that has driven her success in other arenas. She notes, “Sport has always, and will always, be an integral part of my rehabilitation as it aids tremendously in the management of my mental health and keeps me active. It provides a platform to set goals, challenge myself, relate to other adults, and find a sense of belonging.” For Erin, sport is more than a physical outlet, it allows her to combat the social isolation she experienced when she first transitioned.
BUILDING COMMUNITY AND TEAM SPIRIT
Despite the differences between adaptive sporting events and the Lifesaving World Championships, Erin has already identified how the common theme of sport has allowed for many similarities between the two. “Everyone on the Lifesaving World Championships team has been extremely welcoming and friendly. The main similarity I’ve seen is the selflessness of how dedicated everyone is to helping each other out and providing a safe team environment for us all to compete in,” she shares.
For Erin, being around veterans in a sporting environment once again has reminded her how beneficial sport is to the overall wellbeing of this group. “What I’ve found with most veterans is that everyone is always rooting for each other, they genuinely want to see others succeed and find their stride after going through adversity.”
This camaraderie and mutual support are integral to her positive experience with sport and is something Erin hopes to continue to be able to implement in her life.
Erin Brigden’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that sports can have on the lives of those in the defence community. As she prepares to compete in the Lifesaving World Championships, Erin continues to embody the spirit of Invictus Australia — demonstrating how sport not only aids in recovery but also fosters a sense of belonging and community.
With her unwavering determination and support from her family, Erin is set to make her mark in the world of lifesaving, proving once again that the journey from adversity to achievement is not just possible, but inspiring.
Erin is currently competing in the World Lifesaving Championships on the Gold Coast, as part of Team Invictus Australia, the first non-club crew to compete. To keep up with the Team’s performance, follow Invictus Australia’s socials.
Read more:
- Team Invictus Australia announced for World Lifesaving Championships 2024
- Lifesaving hopefuls attend Selection Camp for Team Invictus Australia on the sunny Gold Coast
- Invictus Australia supports first veterans team to compete at the Surf Life Saving World Champs
Our Veteran Engagement team runs events such as these across the country each day. To keep up to date with what is happening in your area, join your local Facebook group.
- ACT Local Facebook group
- SA Local Facebook group
- Sth East QLD Facebook group
- Nth QLD Facebook group
- Nth NSW Local Facebook group
- NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook group
- Victoria Facebook group
- WA Facebook group
- TAS Facebook group
About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia encourages veterans and their families to connect and engage with their communities through sport. Whether participating or volunteering at grassroots level, to competing internationally at an Invictus or Warrior Games, Invictus Australia leverages the power of sport to proactively foster good health and aid in recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. Invictus Australia promotes the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport for all, and shine a light on the unique needs of younger veterans, particularly the challenges associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.
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