 It was there short after, that Erik took up a scholarship with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), under the guidance of Craig Hilliard, coach of former athletes such as Jane Flemming, Jai Taurima, Jana Rawlinson, Kerry Saxby-Junna and 2006 World Junior Long Jump Champion Robbie Crowther.Unfortunately for Erik, he sustained a serious knee injury in Ratingen, Germany in June, 2005 requiring surgery and missing the entire 2006 season, including the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.After a successful rehabilitation process, Erik returned to the track in 2007 and after some early encouraging form, Erik sustained two freak injuries to the same knee that required surgery earlier and his right shoulder.