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Whitefish Today
By the People, for the People
Griz High Jumper Erin Wilde Sets Records Despite Scoliosis
The Whitefish native is a 5x Big Sky Conference Champion and 3x NCAA Regionals qualifier.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:41pm
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A cubist interpretation of Erin Wilde's record-breaking high jump captures the determination and resilience of this Griz athlete.Whitefish TodayErin Wilde, a high jumper for the Montana Grizzlies, has overcome scoliosis to become one of the most decorated athletes in recent Griz history. Despite being told she shouldn't do sports after spinal surgery, Wilde's stubbornness and drive have led her to set the Dornblaser record in the high jump event.
Why it matters
Wilde's story showcases the determination and resilience of Griz athletes, as well as the university's ability to support student-athletes with medical conditions and help them achieve at the highest levels of competition.
The details
Wilde was told she shouldn't participate in sports after her spinal surgery for scoliosis, but she refused to give up her athletic dreams. She initially wanted to be a long jumper, but after breaking the middle school high jump record in eighth grade, she found her calling in the high jump. Despite the pain and challenges of high jumping with scoliosis, Wilde has become a 5x Big Sky Conference Champion and 3x NCAA Regionals qualifier, and now holds the Dornblaser record in the event.
- Wilde had spinal surgery for scoliosis at a young age.
- In eighth grade, Wilde broke the middle school high jump record.
- Wilde is a 5x Big Sky Conference Champion.
- Wilde is a 3x NCAA Regionals qualifier.
- Wilde now holds the Dornblaser record in the high jump event.
The players
Erin Wilde
A high jumper for the Montana Grizzlies who has overcome scoliosis to become one of the most decorated athletes in recent Griz history.
What they’re saying
“My spine's pretty crooked. I have the S-curve, so the top curve, I got surgery on, but it's still pretty curved.”
— Erin Wilde, Griz High Jumper
“They told me afterward that I wasn't supposed to do anything really. No sports, activities, like kind of more on the minimal side, but that's not who I was at all. I loved sports.”
— Erin Wilde, Griz High Jumper
“High jumping with it can be painful sometimes, but I honestly learned to just, like, figure out what kind of works best for me.”
— Erin Wilde, Griz High Jumper
“I refused to high jump because I was a stubborn kid and wanted to prove my dad wrong. I wanted to be a long jumper and then got to my eighth grade year and I high jumped one time and broke our middle school record, and I was like, yep, this is what I'm going to do.”
— Erin Wilde, Griz High Jumper
The takeaway
Erin Wilde's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of Griz athletes, and showcases the university's ability to support student-athletes with medical conditions and help them achieve at the highest levels of competition.
