Paralympian Peter Cowan has unfinished business with IronMāori.

Hawkes Bay-based Cowan claimed bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympics 200m V3L para canoeing final.

“Being around this event (IronMāori) brings on flashbacks – some of them good and some of them bad - but I am looking forward to being part of it.”  

Cowan’s life changed in an instant 13 years ago. At 15, he cycled home from school, training for an IronMāori triathlon with his cousins.

He had his hand out to indicate a turn and turned his head to check traffic when an oncoming car clipped him. 

Two nurses saved his life, but he had to have his right leg amputated above the knee. He has made significant progress since then.

“I really had to go outside my comfort zone and meet people who had disabilities. I had to learn a bit more about what I was able to do and break down some of those beliefs of what I couldn’t do.” 

Since arriving home from Paris, Cowan has been welcomed as a hero in Hastings, and the local community has celebrated the bronze medal, he said.

“It has been pretty overwhelming, to be honest, to see that outpouring of positive vibes and genuine support. They make you feel loved, and it is humbling.”   

The celebrity status has taken some adjustment as Cowan likes to keep a down-to-earth attitude. 

“Hastings is small, and everyone knows everyone, so I have been noticed a bit just walking around. It’s funny everyone asks me if I have the medal on me,” he said. 

IronMāori is a unique and inspirational event, Cowan said.

“It’s just positive kaupapa,” he said. 

“It changes people’s lives by creating good habits, creating good mindsets, being able to say ‘yes’ to positive things and ‘no’ to things that will not help their progression.  

Paris holds special memories, mainly being on the podium and the bond with his longtime coach, Myka Nuku, Cowan said.

“Those relationships only get stronger when they get challenged in big experiences like this. We bonded quite a lot on and off the water, and those experiences, I will carry with me forever.” 

Cowan returned to where his journey began, attending the IronMāori Rangatahi, Tamariki, and Kaumatua events on November 1. He met and supported several athletes there, ACCdeputy chief executive Andy Milne said.

“In many ways, he had to start his life again after his accident. To become a bronze medallist at the Paralympics is inspirational.” ACC has supported IronMāori for the past six years. 

The organisation is driven by its strategy of Huakina Te Rā, Milne said.  

“We believe in the kaupapa of IronMāori and want to support whānau to live well,” Milne said.