Paralympian Peter Cowan returns to IronMāori years after training accident changed his life

Bronze Paralympic medallist Peter Cowan will cheer on IronMāori participants years after an injury while training for the race himself. Photo / Getty Images

He was hit by a car when training for the popular event, and now bronze medallist Paralympian Peter Cowan will come back to where it all began when he cheers on this year’s participants on the sideline of IronMāori.

The Hawke’s Bay hometown hero made history in Paris this year, claimed a bronze medal in a gripping A final of the men’s 200m VL3.

It’s been a 13-year journey to get to this point, with Cowan having had his leg amputated as a result of the injury he sustained when he was hit while riding his bike for training.

A chance to learn the art of adaptive waka spurred a journey that led him to find his new passion, but he still cares deeply for the competition that changed his life and its kaupapa.

He will attend the IronMāori Rangatahi, Tamariki and Kaumatua events on Friday, November 1, and meet with and support some of the athletes.

“Pete has a remarkable story to share,” sponsor ACC’s deputy chief executive for strategy, engagement and prevention, Andy Milne, said.

“He has shown to many young New Zealanders what is possible if you never give up in life and we are thrilled he will be part of IronMāori this year.”

Cowan, humble as ever, said it wasn’t about him, but his loved ones always reminded him that people need to see young local people succeed to become inspired.

“It is good to see people like me who have kind of been down and out. They need to see something positive. It’s just inspiration for others, and it comes with the weight of the medal.”

He said being around the event brings on flashbacks – some of them good and some of them bad – but he is looking forward to being part of it.

“It’s just positive kaupapa. 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.

“I love seeing people develop and become who they are through overcoming challenges. It helps you develop as a person and become a better version of yourself.”

If anyone knows about overcoming adversity it is Cowan. When he lost his leg, he had to start again.

“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.”

He had simple advice for anyone taking on IronMāori for the first time.

“The first time doing something like this, the atmosphere is always cool and exciting.

“My advice would be just to go in, back the mahi you’ve done to get there and just embrace every moment. Enjoy it, embrace the nerves and be open to experiencing what is an awesome event.”