Get to know Brenden

Brenden Hall, a five-time Paralympic athlete, is a name synonymous with determination, resilience, and success. Representing Australia on the global stage, Brenden’s journey began in his early years as a young swimmer, where he first felt at home in the water. After losing his leg, swimming became more than just a sport—it was a place where he felt equal to his peers and could pursue his dream of representing Australia.

Supported by his parents and driven by a competitive spirit shared with his brother, Brenden never let anything stand in his way. Inspired by icons like Brendan Burkett, Ian Thorpe, and Michael Phelps, he honed his skills, eventually earning his spot on the Australian Paralympic team. Now, as he prepares to carry the Australian flag in Paris, Brenden remains as excited and honoured as he was during his first Paralympic appearance.

Away from the pool, Brenden’s greatest joy is his role as a father to Bodhi. “I love being a Dad, wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world,” Brenden says. Whether it’s jumping into the pool for Bodhi’s first swim lessons or enjoying the simple pleasures of reading bedtime stories, Brenden cherishes every moment with his son. He’s also eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new addition to the family, with Brittany expecting a sibling for Bodhi.

Brittany, Brenden’s partner, is the rock of their family. Her unwavering support allows Brenden to chase his dreams, and her strength and independence continually inspire him. “She’s strong-willed and very independent. How she manages to work and be a mum when I go away amazes me every time,” Brenden says. Watching Brittany as a mother to Bodhi only deepens his love for her.

As Brenden looks to the future, he plans to complete his physiotherapy degree and hopes to work with teams to help future athletes achieve their dreams. But above all, he’s excited to spend more time with his family, exploring new adventures and being the best dad he can be.

QFirstly, Congratulations on making the Australian Paralympic team and your recent selection as flag bearer - how excited are you to be be representing Australia once again?

AIt’s my 5th time being able to represent Australia at the Paralympic games and I’m just as excited as I was when I made my first. I am also deeply honoured to be selected as one of the flag bearers. 

QHow does it make you feel when the family watch you compete?  Will family and friends be in Paris?

AI’m always stoked when the family is able to watch me compete, it’s always a bit of an ode to them for all the support over the years. Britt and Bodhi will be in Paris as well as my Mum and Dad so I’m pumped they’ll be in the stands adding to the amazing atmosphere.

QAre there any lessons from swimming that you apply to parenting?

AExpect the unexpected haha. You learn something new everyday as a parent and there is a lot of things outside your control. Thankfully competing has prepared me for that, it’s not always smooth sailing and life is always full of surprises. 

QCongratulations on the expected arrival of a brother or sister for Bodhi - how happy is everyone, and what do you expect as a dad with the extra challenge of 2 young kids?

AThank you very much. We are very happy and excited to grow our family and Bodhi is very much looking forward to a younger sister or brother. I imagine while we have a newborn it might be more challenging but nothing I’m sure that Britt and I couldn’t already handle. Once the second one starts to move and talk I think that’s when the real challenge will begin haha.

QWhat's your favourite part of the day with Bodhi?

AOh it’s hard to pick just one. I love doing sport and watching him do sport whether its swimming, bike riding, kindy gym or just playing in the park. With that being said I also do enjoy reading to him before bedtime and he does enjoy goodnight hugs from everyone.

QFinally, how to you see your future post swimming career with the family? 


AI’m planning on finishing my physiotherapy degree next year and then hopefully getting into work. I then hopefully want to use my network connections and find a way back into teams working as a physiotherapist helping future athletes achieve their dreams. That way we can hopefully tag the family holidays on the back end of those trips. Also more importantly just spending more time being Dad, cause I love that.

Now lets hear from Brittany

QWhat are Brenden’s best qualities as a father?

ABrenden’s best qualities as a father are; his playfulness – he’s always joining Bodhi in whatever type of play he wants to do from kicking a ball, to building towers creating dinosaur scenes or even racing his bikes. Brenden is certainly the more playful fun parent!

QCan you please share something about Brenden that most people don't know?

AApart from the obvious that he loves swimming and loves the water and ocean Brenden is a Biggggg coffee lover. Very specific in the type of coffee he enjoys and how it is made.