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Brenden Hall OAM PLY has been awarded a University of Queensland Distinguished Young Alumni Award for remarkable sporting accomplishments in international para-swimming.
Brenden Hall OAM PLY (UQ Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, 2017) is a highly respected Paralympic athlete and influential figure in Australian sports. Overcoming significant physical challenges, including 70% hearing loss and the amputation of his right leg, Brenden has achieved remarkable success in para-swimming. He first competed in the Paralympic Games in 2008 and won 2 gold medals and a bronze at the 2012 London Paralympics.
His achievements continued through the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the sport. Mr Hall is also pursuing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Australian Catholic University and is a dedicated father, balancing his professional, academic and personal life. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, he is deeply committed to community service, volunteering with Surf Life Saving Australia and promoting the AIS Elite Athlete Education Network.
While competing in his 5th Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024, where he won bronze in the men’s S9 400 metres freestyle, Mr Hall was selected as one of Australia’s flag-bearers in recognition of his extraordinary contributions.
The UQ Alumni Awards are nominated from over 340,000 alumni around the world and were awarded at a ceremony at Customs House in Brisbane.
Do you have a favourite quote, motto or piece of advice?
“I’ve learnt over the last few years to really lean into your failures so that you know how to learn from them. I’m a big believer that sometimes we learn the most about ourselves when we think we’ve had a failure moment. When we find a new path forward, we become a better version of ourselves.”
If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the world, what would it be?
“To understand people with disabilities in an instant. We’re all just people but slightly different. We all want the opportunity to show our capabilities whether it’s in the Paralympics, working environments, as parents or just simple day to day activities like getting coffee with friends. It’s amazing how many times we’re seen as an ‘inspiration’ for doing a simple activity such as walking around the shopping centre with family.”
What inspired you to pursue the career path you eventually chose?
“I started as a 13-year-old on a junior Para Swim Team. I became very intrigued with sport scientists and their role within the team environment. From that point on when I made my first senior team at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, becoming a sport scientist was something I wanted to do post-swimming career. As I went deeper into my degree and my swimming career I became more interested in how the body worked and all the components and injuries that occur while competing. I also began speaking with numerous physios within the team environment and my home training environment. This made me realise that I would love to work as a physio helping future athletes maintain their peak physical condition while striving to achieve their dreams.”
What’s a surprising or fun fact about you?
“It probably comes as no surprise being an elite athlete, but I do very much enjoy my coffee. Probably wouldn’t have made it through my first degree without it to be honest.”
Reflecting on your journey to date, what has been your proudest moment?
“It’s hard not to say my gold medals and world records. But honestly for me now it’s becoming a parent with my fantastic wife Brittany. To put the icing on the cake, it was being able to have them in Paris when I one my bronze medal.”
By: University of Queensland
Published: 31 October 2024
