Cameron Leslie

Started: He began swimming at age 11. (paralympic.org, 26 Jan 2023; attitudelive.com, 01 Jul 2015) Reason: "I took up swimming so I could learn water safety." (Athlete, 12 Sep 2019) Ambition: To win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (paralympic.org, 26 Jan 2023) Awards: He and athletics competitor Anna Grimaldi were named as flag bearers for New Zealand for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (odt.co.nz, 25 Jul 2024) He was named 2022/23 Para Swimmer of the Year by Swimming Northland in New Zealand. (Swimming Northland Facebook page, 30 Sep 2023) He was named a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009 for services to swimming. (gg.govt.nz, 31 Mar 2009) In 2008 he received the New Zealand University Blues Award for Maori Sportsperson of the Year. (newmediajournalism.aut.ac.nz, 01 Mar 2010) He was named the 2008 Male Athlete of the Year by the Auckland University of Technology. (paralympics.org.nz, 01 Jun 2012) He has been named New Zealand Disabled Maori Sportsperson of the Year, a Te Tai Tokerau Supreme Award Winner, and Te Tai Tokerau Open Male Sportsman of the Year. (paralympics.org.nz, 01 Jun 2012) Additional Info: MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE He has represented New Zealand in both Para swimming and wheelchair rugby. "[There is] a massive difference between the two, really. In a sport like swimming, what you do matters to yourself. But when you win, when you achieve a goal, it's not quite as enjoyable. In a team environment, it's multiplied by your teammates and the joy is shared by everyone rather than just yourself. But the same goes when you don't do so well. The frustration is shared across everyone." (paralympic.org, 26 Jan 2023) TOKYO WITHDRAWAL He was named in New Zealand's swimming and wheelchair rugby squads for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, but withdrew from the Games with his wife due to give birth to their second child shortly before the event. "It has been a hard decision. It was always going to be difficult to be away from them at that time. However, with current circumstances [the COVID-19 pandemic], I am very aware I would not be able to get home quickly should something happen that concerns me. Family means a lot to me, and it is an exciting time as our little family is growing." (insidethegames.biz, 05 Jul 2021) OCCUPATION In 2018 he began working as disability and Para swimming participation manager at Swimming New Zealand. In January 2020 he was appointed as an intern board member for Sport New Zealand. In August 2016 he was appointed as a committee member for New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby, a role he served until December 2018. (acc.co.nz, 12 Dec 2023; swimmingnz.org, 13 Nov 2023; insidethegames.biz, 06 Jan 2020; LinkedIn profile, 01 Jan 2020; Athlete, 12 Sep 2019; stuff.co.nz, 05 Jun 2019; swimmingworldmagazine.com, 11 Sep 2018) OTHER ACTIVITIES He has served as the director of BeefCo, a company based in Northland, New Zealand. In 2009 while at university, he was appointed Disabilities Affairs Officer of the Auckland Student Movement at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. (LinkedIn profile, 01 Jan 2020; newmediajournalism.aut.ac.nz, 01 Mar 2010)