Born in Geraldine, Mark began work as a professional mountaineer for Mount Cook National Park. In 1982, Mark was stuck in a snow cave during 13 days because of an intense blizzard resulting in having both his legs amputated below the knee after he was rescued. His passion for the outdoors never left him and he became a successful Para alpine skier and Para cyclist. He first represented New Zealand at the Para Cycling World Championships in 1998 and made his Paralympic debut in Sydney 2000. Mark finished 12th in the road race and won the silver medal in the Kilo (1000m individual time trial). It was New Zealand’s first ever Paralympic medal in Para cycling.
In 2006, Mark became the first ever double amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Paralympian, scientist, adventurer, author, public speaker, Mark is a man of many talents. More recently, he occupies his days as a Trail creator, designing, creating, building and managing mountain bike trails.
