DAVID BRYANT Q&A

Nudgee College Old Boy David Bryant attended Nudgee College between 2002-06. His para-triathlon journey is a remarkable story of determination.

Born with a clubfoot in his right leg, he faced a significant muscle mass imbalance, with his right leg having approximately 17% less muscle than his left. Despite this challenge, David turned to running in his teens as part of rehabilitation after surgery to address the growing length disparity between his legs.

His athletic focus initially centred on Ironman and marathon running, but his path shifted when Triathlon Australia invited him to explore para-triathlon. David embraced the opportunity, getting classified and pursuing the sport with incredible results.

In 2019, he achieved major success, winning the Devonport ITU Paratriathlon World Cup and the Australian Paratriathlon National Championships in the PTS5 men’s classification. He continued his winning streak by claiming the Paratriathlon Oceania Championships title in 2020.

David’s hard work and perseverance earned him a spot in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and most recently the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

We asked David a few questions about his recent experience and how he got there.

What is your fondest memory of Nudgee College?

Saturday afternoon’s in the grandstand cheering on the 1st XV in the Nudgee Blue and White blazer with mates.

What mates are you still in touch with?

Michael Trussler, Josh Amberger, Sam and Will Mackay.

What was a highlight for you being part of the Australian Paralympic team in Paris 2024?

Being a triathlon it is fair to say we were the showcase event of the games. The opportunity to swim in the Seine river, ride along the Champs Elysees and then run over the Pont Alexander bridge in front of thousands around Paris is a moment I will never forget.

Why do you think the Paralympics are an important part of our culture and society?

Over 1 billion people in the world live with a disability. Paralympic sport provides a pathway to inspire and create opportunities for those with a disability on and off the racing track. What is also exciting is how much more recognisable the Paralympic logo and movement is compared to four, eight and 20 years ago.

What do you hope to achieve in the next five years with your sport?

Taking it one year at a time post Paris, the luxury of triathlon is that you can really flourish as an endurance athlete late into your 30’s. I am not slowing down in racing or training yet as a 35 year old so as long as I can maintain the work, life, and family balance I will keep maximising my opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sport?

Now living in Perth, I am so grateful to be living in a city that has the most beautiful beaches, parks and bushland right on the doorstep of the city itself. Spending time with my wife Leah and two kids Audrey and Beau in this environment is a simple yet special moment I will always cherish. Travelling the world for the past six years has reinforced how lucky we are to live in Australia.

What would you say is the key attribute someone must have to be an elite athlete?

Consistency is KING. Just keep showing up. The difference between success and failure is not dramatic. In fact, the difference between success and failure is so subtle, so mundane, that most people miss it. Things that are ridiculously easy to do – but just as easy not to do. Things that, when you look at them as single occurrences, don’t seem like they’d have any impact at all – yet when compounded over time they add up to outrageous success.

What is your proudest achievement in your current profession?

Qualifying for Paris two months post broken collarbone. 2024 has been a crazy year of travel to ten different countries around the world qualifying for Paris. Two months out from Paris I broke my collarbone racing in Wales. Amazingly, after flying home for emergency surgery and through my team at Western Australian Institute of Sport and Aus Triathlon working amazingly to rehab my injury, I was able to get to the start line and represent my family and all those involved in my journey.

What else should we know about you?

I am also a sports dietitian running my own business. They go hand in hand together making me a better dietitian and athlete the experiences I have had since leaving school and am excited where my career will take me post my Paratriathlon career.