In 1973 Chris broke his neck playing rugby for Waihi Athletic Club. He became a C5/6 tetraplegic paralysed from the waist down.
Before his accident, Chris was a carpenter. He decided to go back to studying, choosing architecture at Christchurch Polytechnic. Six years later he received his New Zealand Certificate in Architecture and started his own business.
Chris also soon started to participate in Para sport. He made his first international competition at the FESPIC Games in Australia in 1977 where he gained 1 gold and 3 silver medals in Para athletics. One year later, thanks to his sporting achievements he was awarded Marlborough Sportsman of the Year.
He then represented his country again at the Arnhem 1980 Paralympic Games in Holland. He competed in Para athletics and Para swimming. Chris narrowly missed a place on the podium when he achieved fourth place in the Discus Throw 1B.
Chris was a very humble man. He passed away in 2017, after a long battle but with his loving family at his side.
