Born with a missing thigh bone and incredible determination, Brian never let anything slow him down. He represented New Zealand in both Para athletics and Para powerlifting at the Arnhem 1980 and Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games. But he didn’t stop there. Brian also set a world record for the fastest time by an amputee at the New York City Marathon in 1985, and beat it the following year. Extraordinary.

This Toyota Brand Guardian and Olympic weight lifter is often described as 'big-hearted'. He won gold at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. And received the David Dixon Award for sporting spirit. Whether he's giving to his community or giving it everything in the thick of competition, David doesn't hold back. After achieving a new personal best at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, we can’t wait to see what he lifts next.

Jesse’s always been competitive. But with just one leg, it took him a while to find the right sport. Until he got into the pool. And that was it. Debuting at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Jesse made the final in his swim event despite an accident in the preceding days. And that sums him up — determined and focused. Proof that Paralympians are high performance athletes.

Cantabrian Scott Martlew started a successful sporting career in Rugby, playing for the Crusaders. After injuring himself in one of the games, he ended up losing his left leg in order to save his life. But instead of giving up on sport, Scott decided to start Para Canoeing. And represented New Zealand in his first Paralympic Games at Rio 2016. With Scott’s grit and gutsy attitude, imagine what he could achieve next.

Toyota Brand Guardian Olivia McTaggart’s impossible pole vaulting journey to the Commonwealth Games has included a couple of big setbacks and injuries. But she pushed forward with enduring resilience and strength. Olivia is a competitor who takes setbacks in her stride, grows from them and comes out stronger. She’s been in top form, setting a personal best in 2022. And we hope she’ll represent at the next Olympics.

An inspiring story from one of our past Paralympians. After being diagnosed with Polio, he began powerlifting. Reuben Ngata was part of the very first New Zealand Paralympic Team, competing at Tel Aviv in 1968. At Toronto in 1976, he won bronze. Reuben also represented Aotearoa in other Paralympic sports, including athletics, powerlifting and table tennis. Helping pave the way for the Paralympians of today. Proof that anything is possible.