Erin Brigden

DoD Warrior Games 2024 Team Australia Competitor

ADF service: I joined the Australian Army in October 2014 as a Fitter Armourer and medically discharged in early 2023.  

Other information: Mum to my two children, Phoenix and Mia, two kelpies, Diesel and Pearl, and wife to husband, Ryan.

Age: 29

Hometown: Shellharbour, New South Wales

Current town: Brisbane, Queensland

Competing in:  Athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting and swimming

What is the nature of your injury or illness? I have a ligament tear and degeneration in my left wrist, Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) in both hands and mental health issues.

Sport background: I competed in swimming at high school and tried other sports such as touch footy, rugby league and karate. The last 10 years have been mostly spent weight training, leisure swimming and horse riding. My greatest sporting moment was making lifetime personal bests in swimming and powerlifting at Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? 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, despite degenerative issues. It provides a platform to set goals, challenge myself, relate to other adults and find a sense of belonging. Sport played a key role when I discharged from the Army. I wholeheartedly believe my participation in the Adaptive Sports Program made the world of difference when I transitioned back into civilian life. I was able to find positive distraction, look forward to the next big thing and focus on what I could still do well, rather than dwell on what I felt I was missing out on or where I felt I had failed.

How did you feel when you were told you made the Warrior Games team? Ecstatic; very honoured to be a returning competitor and to get the opportunity to continue my journey with the Adaptive Sports Program.

What is your greatest achievement to date? Being the mum I wanted to be to my two kids, and surpassing personal bests set in my youth before illness and injury.

Why did you apply for Warrior Games? Being a part of Team Australia at Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I hoped my experience could extend to the Warrior Games as I wanted the opportunity to compete in a different atmosphere and event. I wanted the chance to set higher goals for myself, try some new sports I’ve never done before and connect with and support a new group of veterans on their own journeys.

What will “winning” look like for you at the Games? Returning as a competitor is already a huge win, but success at the Warrior Games this time round will be getting the most out of the experience - being present, immersing myself in the atmosphere, meeting veterans from other countries, cheering on my teammates and surpassing my personal goals.

Who is supporting you at the Games? Many of my family and friends will be cheering me on from back in Australia. I will also have some family and friends join me at the Warrior Games.