Dean started swimming as a 14-year-old, taking it up seriously soon afterwards, inspired by a documentary on the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games. His goal was to win a Paralympic gold medal. After winning two gold medals at the World Para Swimming Championships in 1998, Dean made his own Paralympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. The Para swimmer claimed two medals, gold in the 400m Freestyle S7 where he broke the world record by over 9 seconds, and a bronze in the 100m Freestyle S7. He retired from swimming after Sydney 2000 with his goal being achieved and now works as an IT service delivery manager.
Dean officially received his ‘numbered’ Paralympic pin as part of The Celebration Project in Auckland in February 2020.
