After a fall and time at the Auckland Spinal Unit, Rob’s discovered a new interest in wheelchair basketball. He soon found he had the ability to outsprint anyone on the court. Next, he looked towards the athletics track for national success. He quickly achieved great performances on the international stage ensuring well-deserved selection for the New York & Stoke Mandeville 1984 Paralympic Games. There, Rob broke the world record on the 100m heats and won the gold medal. He also won a bronze medal in the Men’s King of the Straight race. In 2009, Robert was awarded a Paralympics New Zealand Order of Merit for his outstanding services to Paralympic sport. Robert sadly passed away in 2016. His brothers Steve and Carrick received both his Order of Merit and Paralympic pins on Rob’s behalf.
His brothers Steve and Carrick received both his Order of Merit and Paralympic pins on Rob’s behalf as part of the Celebration Project in Auckland on February 2020.
