Paralympian #188 Corey Peters MNZM has announced his retirement from competitive snow sports, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of New Zealand’s most accomplished winter Para athletes.
Two years after sustaining a spinal cord injury in a 2009 motocross accident, Peters took up sit-skiing. He quickly established himself on the world stage and across four Paralympic Winter Games, he captured four Paralympic medals. Highlights of his career include a silver medal in the Men’s Giant Slalom Sitting at Sochi 2014, a bronze in the Men’s Downhill Sitting at PyeongChang 2018 and a dominant gold in the Men’s Downhill Sitting along with a silver in the Men’s Super-G at Beijing 2022.
Alongside his Paralympic exploits, Peters, won two World Championship titles and five World Championship podiums. He also chalked up an incredible 22 World Cup podiums, seven of which were gold medals.
“The memories, the experiences, the people I’ve met, and the athletes I’ve had the privilege to compete alongside will stay with me forever. The success we achieved together is something I will always hold with pride,” said Peters.
“As I step away from competitive racing, I do so with a full heart. I’m excited for what comes next, but I will forever cherish the sport that gave me purpose, identity, and a lifetime of unforgettable moments. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible chapter.”
Snow Sports Para High Performance Programme Manager Jane Stevens said Peters’ legacy was exceptional within the snow sports family. “We at Snow Sports NZ are incredibly proud of all Corey has achieved over his illustrious career. He has inspired a generation of New Zealanders and the world through his dedication and skill, and by producing world leading performances at World Cups, World Championships and the Paralympics. We look forward to his continued influence through the young athletes who will seek to emulate his incredible career.”
Paralympics NZ CEO Greg Warnecke said, “With a collection of four medals at three consecutive Paralympic Winter Games, including gold at Beijing 2022, and his fourth appearance for the NZ Paralympic Team at Milano Cortina 2026, Paralympian #188 Corey Peters MNZM can quite simply be considered a legend of winter Para sport.
“With the undeniable speed and risk associated with sit-skiing, combined with Corey’s full-throttle approach, he has thrilled everyone who has watched him fly down the slopes. On behalf of everyone at Paralympics New Zealand and the NZ Paralympic Team, congratulations to Corey on a highly distinguished and successful career.”
For more on Corey go here.
