Current Paralympic bronze medalist Peter Cowan has made a triumphant return home to compete in his first Waka Ama race since claiming bronze at the Paris Paralympics in 2024.
Competing in the adaptive W1 men’s race at Lake Karāpiro, Cowan secured victory in his heat with a time of 1:06.71.
The adaptive race category provides a platform for athletes with a range of disabilities to compete.
Cowan, who lost a leg in a cycling accident at 15, says the national competition holds a special place in his heart.
“After coming off the Paralympics, the national competition is always a place that feels like home,” he said. “It’s an unmatched atmosphere we feel here when you’re doing an overseas regatta. So, it’s good to be home with the whānau.”
Of the 3,875 competitors participating throughout the week, only four competed in the adaptive races.
Despite the limited field, Cowan relished the opportunity to focus on achieving first place.
“As the pressure of the Paralympics is now off my shoulders, aiming for 1st place in the adaptive race was welcomed with open arms.”
“Coming home here to Waka Ama, you can get the same feel [of pressure], but it’s a good event to train yourself for when to dial in and dial out in prep for overseas events,” he said.
Cowan’s participation reflects a growing trend of inclusivity in New Zealand sports, with athletes of all abilities embracing opportunities to compete across a range of events.
As the 2025 Nationals wrap up, Cowan has a simple message for other athletes with disabilities: “Just give it a go and give it your best. Don’t let any barriers hold you back from achieving that.”
