Paralympian #231 Peter Cowan was elated to be presented his official numbered pin by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) at the Waka Ama National Sprint Championships at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games VL3 200m bronze medallist in the sport of Para canoe received the pin – which is presented to every Paralympian who represents New Zealand at the Paralympic Games.
Peter’s journey to the Paralympic podium in France resonated with the New Zealand public and was testament to the resilience and positive attitude of the Hastings-based athlete.
Following a serious accident, which led to the amputation of his injured leg, when training on his bike for the IronMāori triathlon aged 15 he took up paddling in his final year at high school.
Developing into an outstanding talent, Pete won gold medals at the World Waka Ama Championships, before later competing in Para canoe. The father-of-two achieved a breakthrough VL3 200m silver medal competing in the va’a boat at the 2024 ICF Para Canoe World Championships in Szeged, Hungary.
On his Paralympic debut appearance at Paris 2024 the Hawke’s Bay Kayak Racing Club and Haetea Ocean Sports Inc member excelled to take a brilliant bronze medal in the Men’s 200m VL3 on the final day of the programme in the French capital. Pete’s podium finish ensured the NZ Paralympic Team collected a total of nine medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
A delighted Pete, who completed the Adaptive Men’s VL3 200m and 500m double at the New Zealand Waka Ama National Sprint Championships on Wednesday (15 Jan) said: “I’m proud to join a special group of athletes. To receive the pin is recognition for the huge support I have received throughout my sporting journey from whānau, friends and the wider sporting community, all of whom have been with me every step of the way.”
PNZ Board Chair Jana Rangooni added: “Pete’s thrilling bronze medal on the final day of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games memorably set the seal on the NZ Paralympic Team’s quest in the French capital. To receive his Paralympic pin is a special moment and a wonderful acknowledgement of joining a very elite club of New Zealand Paralympians.”
