When Pete Cowan is on the start line of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, he won’t be alone.

There will be a cast of hundreds in the boat with him. Cowan, 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. Cowan says there have been a huge number of people who have 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,” says the 28-year-old.

“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 for me and my family.”

He is a father of two boys, aged four and two, and Cowan is looking forward to receiving “little voice messages from them on race day”.

In May, Cowan 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.

Training in Italy ahead of the Games. Photo supplied.

In the thrilling VL3 200m final, Cowan 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,” Cowan says.

“Winning silver sent positive waves through our team and wider support group. We are 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.”

He has arrived in Europe and is completing his final preparation for Paris with fellow Paralympian Scott Martlew in Italy. Cowan trains six days a week and is in the boat twice a day as he tries to reach his goal.

He loves competing in a sport that mirrors his Polynesian – Māori roots. Qualifying for the Paralympics is a long way from where he has been.

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 car. 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.

“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 that ACC has played a leading role in his recovery and opportunities. “They have helped me a huge amount in starting my life again,” he says.

When he was 17, he 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 had taken up any type of sport so yes, a lot of courage to kind of 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 sure what my future held, it was a big moment.”

These days, Cowan smiles when he gets out of the boat and his rivals or spectators can’t believe he has one leg.

Training in Italy ahead of the Games. Photo supplied.

“I guess when you have newcomers or people who aren't really surrounded by paddlers like me who look a bit different. It does turn a few heads.

“But I find it’s a good opportunity to just raise awareness, I don't really like putting myself out there, but I like breaking down barriers and showing that anything is possible.”

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. And when you are recovering from a physical disability, it's good to acknowledge your uniqueness and your different direction you are going in life.

“There is a community of good people who can help you on your journey.”