Peter’s story: Cast of hundreds inspires Paralympics debut
The silver lining to losing a limb for Peter Cowan has been discovering a love of para va’a, an adaptive version of waka ama. With lifelong support from ACC helping him get there, he’s about to make his Paralympics debut.
When Peter Cowan is on the start line at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, he won’t feel alone. He’ll feel like there’s a cast of hundreds in the boat with him.
Peter, who is of Samoan and Māori (Ngāti Kahungunu) descent, is a member of the Haeata Ocean Sports and Hawke’s Bay Kayak Racing Club. He races para va’a, an adaptive version of waka ama.
He says there’s been a huge number of people who’ve helped him in his waka ama journey and in his life since a serious accident as a teenager.
“Even though I’m in the boat by myself, I’ve got a huge team on my shoulders who have got me here,” the 28-year-old says.
“Every time I compete, I want to do them justice and make them proud.”
His selection in the New Zealand Paralympic team is a huge moment for him and his whānau.
“Becoming a Paralympian means a great deal to me and my family, who’ve come with me on this journey,” he says.
“It’s been a goal of mine for a very long time, and to finally see what it takes to get there makes me really appreciate my achievement. It’s so much more than just putting a paddle in the water – it takes so much effort and sacrifice, which makes this even more special.”
He is a father of two boys, aged four and two, and is looking forward to receiving ‘little voice messages’ from them on race day.
An exciting showdown in store
In May, Peter qualified a spot for New Zealand in the VL3 200m when he achieved a remarkable milestone in his paddling career.
He won silver in the para va’a at the ICF Para Canoe World Championships in Szeged, Hungary.
In the thrilling VL3 200m final, Peter finished just 0.071 seconds behind Ukraine’s Vladyslav Yepifanov – setting up an exciting showdown in Paris.
“My coach and I went into those world champs with a game plan to race consistently and with precision. We just wanted to race three great races,” Peter says.
“Winning silver sent positive waves through our team and wider support group. We’re proud to see our efforts bringing forth some awesome results like that and I feel it’s inspired everyone else to work hard towards Paris.”
Peter has completed his final preparation for Paris with fellow Paralympian Scott Martlew in Italy.
He trains six days a week and has been in the boat twice a day as he works towards his goal.
He loves competing in a sport that mirrors his Polynesian and Māori roots.
“It gives me a sense of belonging and I take that knowledge with me. When I’m competing internationally, it’s like a superpower, just knowing you have strong ties in your blood to the sport you’re competing in.”
Peter Cowan with his fellow medallists at the Para Canoe World Championships.
Going outside the comfort zone
Peter’s come a long way to make it to Paris.
He was 15 when he was hit by a car while training for the Iron Māori triathlon.
He was out riding and put his hand out to indicate a turn. He turned his head to check traffic when he was clipped by an oncoming vehicle.
The initial impact split his upper leg open. He lost a lot of blood but was conscious following the accident. Fortunately, two nurses arrived at the scene and saved his life.
He made the difficult decision to have his injured leg amputated and had to start again.
“I was lying on the side of the road and feeling anxious about my future. I had no idea what living life with a disability would be like,” he says.
“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 says ACC has played a leading role in his recovery and opportunities.
“They’ve helped me a huge amount in starting my life again,” he says.
Peter Cowan with his coach Myk Nuku.
Finding a sense of purpose
When he was 17, Peter was asked to attend a waka ama training session with his mates at Hastings Boys’ High School. It was on the Clive River and the former rugby player wasn’t sure.
“It was the first time I’d taken up any type of sport since my accident so it took a lot of courage to get in there and a bit of curiosity as well,” he says.
“It brought a huge sense of hope and purpose, it was refreshing. After being sidelined for a few years and not being sure what my future held, it was a big moment.”
These days, Peter smiles when he gets out of the boat and his rivals or spectators can’t believe he has one leg.
“I guess when you have newcomers or people who aren’t surrounded by paddlers like me who look a bit different, it does turn a few heads,” he says.
“But I find it’s a good opportunity to raise awareness, I don’t really like putting myself out there, but I like breaking down barriers and showing that anything is possible.”
Words of wisdom for recovery
He has good advice for any young people who have sustained a life-changing injury.
“Surround yourself with a village of people who want the best for you. That gives you belief and hope that you can do things in life,” he says.
“And when you’re recovering from a physical disability, it’s good to acknowledge your uniqueness and the different direction you’re going in life.
“There’s a community of good people who can help you on your journey.”
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
The 2024 Paralympic Games take place in Paris from 28 August to 8 September, you can follow the action live on TVNZ.
Para Sport Collective
ACC has a community partnership with Paralympics NZ, including supporting the Para Sport Collective.
The collective is a three-year initiative created by Paralympics NZ that supports pre-high performance Para athletes and coaches to achieve their goals.
More information is available on the Paralympics NZ website.
