Paralympian #148 Michael Johnson MNZM claimed a hugely impressive haul of double silver at the Changwon 2026 WSPS World Championships earlier this month. Here, the six-time Paralympian and three-time Paralympic medallist pays tribute to his loyal support team – a key component of his success in South Korea.
Sonja Benčina – Team Manager
Combining great problem-solving skills, a good sense of humour, and calmness under pressure, Sonja plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in allowing Michael to perform at his best when it counts.
The pair first met when the Kiwi Shooting Para sport star was attending an International Shooting Sport Federation coaching course in Montenegro back in 2018, and they formed an instant connection.
“We hit it off straight away,” recalls Michael. “We have the same sense of humour and have been really good mates since that day.”
So, when Michael was seeking a Team Manager for the WSPS World Cup in Changwon in 2023, he identified Sonja, herself a rifle shooter, as the best person for the role.
His instincts proved correct. Since then, the Slovenian has served as Team Manager for New Zealand at the 2024 WSPS World Cup in New Delhi, India, and as the Shooting Para sport Team Manager for the NZ Paralympic Team at Paris 2024. Earlier this month, she also fulfilled the role at Changwon 2026.
“It is a hugely important role,” says Michael. “Sonja acts as the main point of contact for communicating with the local organising committee on training schedules and accommodation. It takes a lot of the stress off me knowing Sonja deals with those things, allowing me to concentrate entirely on competing.”
As Team Manager, Sonja has countless moving parts to navigate. From coordinating accommodation, transport and catering to representing the team at official meetings, the role demands constant problem-solving – often in a new country, with unfamiliar cultures and languages.
Ultimate her goal is to create the best environment for the Shooting Para Sport athletes to perform at their best, and, according to Michael she has all the qualities to fulfil the task.
“It can be a stressful role, but Sonja always remains calm and is very flexible,” he explains. “She understands the sport too, which helps. Her kind personality means she always goes above and beyond for others.”
Janelle McGirr – Loader
A calm and composed presence as a loader for Michael, Janelle also plays a vital role during the white-hot intensity of competition.
Given his lack of hand function, Michael requires Janelle’s support to load his rifle, though he insists her impact goes far wider.
“She acts as my support person too, picking up equipment, adjusting my wheelchair, and helping me grab my meals,” he says. “It is such a critical role. When I win a medal, it shouldn’t just be awarded to me – the loader should get one too.”
Michael was first impressed by Janelle’s work when she was loading for fellow Kiwi Shooting Para sport athlete Natalie Brunzel. After Janelle stopped working with Natalie during the pandemic, the Waiuku-based Paralympian sought her out to support him at the 2023 WSPS World Championships in Lima, Peru.
A malfunction to his rifle during that competition made the experience “a disaster” for Michael, but he was incredibly impressed by how his new loader handled the mishap.
“It didn’t faze her,” said Michael. “She remained super cool and ready to help. Then we went to India in 2024, and with Janelle’s help, I secured the medal that got me the quota spot for Paris 2024.”
Janelle has since remained in place for all of Michael’s key international competitions, where her calmness under pressure and positive personality have helped the Kiwi deliver his best at major events.
“In Changwon, she liked to keep things fun,” he adds. “She is able to make friends and influence people just with her personality.”
The great shame for Michael is that he will now likely have to identify a new loader. Recently married and due to give birth in January, the Tauranga-based loader has just bought a farm and plans to start an exciting new chapter in her life.
“I will miss Janelle. She is always super professional. I could trust her 100 per cent.”
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Staff
Michael also gave a special shout-out to the PNZ staff, specifically Kristin Farrell (Senior Manager of Sport and Pathways) and Dale Macdonald (Para Sport Collective Manager), for their unstinting support.
“They deal with the logistics, and sometimes they have to handle a lot of frustrations when organising overseas trips. They are always very understanding and patient, so I give a huge thanks to them.”
