Peter Cowan

Started: At age 15 he lost a leg after being hit by a car while cycling training for an Iron Maori triathlon event [he is of Maori and Samoan heritage], and discovered Para canoe during his last year of high school. (paralympics.org.nz, 01 Jan 2022) Reason: At age 17 he was invited to a waka ama [outrigger canoe] training session. "It was the first time I'd taken up any type of sport since the accident, so it took a lot of courage to get in there and a bit of curiosity as well. It brought a huge sense of hope and purpose, it was refreshing. After being sidelined for a few years and not sure what my future held, it was a big moment. Getting in the boat levelled the playing field and I got a huge amount of confidence from being able to compete and win races." (acc.co.nz, 16 Jan 2024) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (Instagram profile, 06 May 2024)