"And for me, it's a test. If I can get a marathon under the belt, then I could probably get a half Ironman, and then I could probably get an Ironman. So I see it as a stepping stone to taking on… these big challenges."
Following his two golds in Paralympic record time, Malone had aimed to be the world's fastest man.
But changes to rules surrounding the artificial blades Paralympians can use made his aim more challenging.
His stunning Paralympics performance thrust him onto the world stage, and he has been in demand by international media, partied with global stars and modelled at New York Fashion Week.
"I wouldn't say I'm like a fashionable person," Malone said. "I couldn't tell anyone what to wear to save myself."
"But I certainly recognise that there's going to be other kids out there who either have artificial legs or artificial arms... some sort of characteristic that makes them unique, and society might not make them feel as beautiful as they are.
"The reason that… I'm happy to participate in the fashion world is 'cause I get to redefine perceptions and how the world perceives people with so-called disabilities."
Malone was born with fibular hemimelia (absence of the fibula) in both legs. His legs were amputated just above his ankles when he was 18 months.
Since retiring from Paralympics, Malone has begun working in the business development team at Soul Machines, an Auckland-based company doing ground-breaking work in humanising artificial intelligence.
He believes the firm's work will help improve lives, and appreciates how his has changed thanks to cutting edge technology.
He is also upping the pace in another of his passions – skydiving.
Malone, who suffered from anxiety as a teen, did his first solo jump at 19. "It was actually part of my strategy for overcoming all of my fears.
"Everything's in perspective when you have to be cool, calm and collected jumping out of a plane by yourself."
He is aiming for 100 jumps this year, and has done 35 already.
Malone's mother Trudi died in 2012 after a long struggle with cancer.
He said during that time he witnessed other people lose their health battles, some dying regretting what might have been. That had helped spur him on to live life to the fullest.
"Seeing people die with regrets… gives you a lot of perspective.
"And then I feel like I have this huge opportunity presented to me with having artificial legs and being able to shape society's perception of people with disabilities.
"So those two things coupled together are a great driver."
