Kurt’s hitting the gas pedal

Nothing slows Kurt Peterson down – especially Cerebral Palsy.

By Melanie Louden

When Kurt Peterson hits the Taupo Ironman course in December, he’ll be setting out to do more than just tick another goal off his list.

The 34-year-old Aucklander will also be raising money and awareness for the Cerebral Palsy Society, he’ll be breaking stereotypes and working towards his next goal.

Kurt has minor Cerebral Palsy. It affects his left side, but he’s never let the condition stop him taking on a challenge.

“It’s motivated me to hit the gas pedal and achieve my dreams,” he says.

The qualified automotive engineer, who has had a career in Formula Ford motor racing, says his desire to complete an Ironman began in 2020 after he bumped into an old school mate.

“He asked me ‘what goals do you have?’. I had goals, but I didn’t have them planned out. During the first lockdown of 2020 I wrote 42 life goals and the little steps to get there.”

First was to run a marathon –which he did on November 1, 2020, in a time of 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Two weeks later Kurt decided he was ready for the next step – a full Olympic triathlon, which he completed on November 15, in 3 hours 23 minutes. He went on to compete in two more triathlons, with his last one resulting in a time of 2 hours 55 minutes.

Kurt’s next goal is the Taupo Ironman on December 10, and he says he’s only doing it once.

“It’s all or nothing. I might as well go all out.”

In preparation, he spends a lot of time training at the gym, has completed a number of mock triathlons and has a support team which includes a physiotherapist, nutritionist, coach, personal trainer, chiropractor and swim instructor.

To mark the occasion of completing his one and only Ironman, Kurt’s hired a house for family and friends to stay in for the weekend of the event.

“For me it’s the end of a big goal. It’s worth celebrating.” 

While Kurt’s been preparing for the Ironman, he’s also been fundraising for the Cerebral Palsy Society since October via a Give A Little page.

“I’ve always wanted to do something to benefit the society, to raise awareness, and connections for people living with Cerebral Palsy.”

Kurt’s ultimate goal is to run the length of the country.

“I don’t want to look back on my life and think ‘I really wish I’d done that’.”

Kurt was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was 9 months old, after he didn’t make milestones like sitting and crawling, mum Lynn James says.

Lynn James says her son Kurt Peterson has always done everything at 100 percent. Photos: Melanie Louden.

He has weak muscle tone down the left side of his body, with limited movement of his left ankle. His lack of coordination was a big issue as a child and he had to learn how to use his left side, which involved therapy, several surgeries and corrective plasters.

Yet, Lynn says Cerebral Palsy has never slowed her son down.

“Everything is 100 percent – always has been. His motto as a kid was always ‘don’t worry mum, I can do it’.”

She says it’s like he’s been training for the Ironman all his life.

Kurt, works as the production manager at Vital Zing, the family business which sells health-focused natural drink flavourings, and says his family and his partner Harshi Shetty have been wonderful supports for him.

Harshi keeps him sharp, focused on his training, and getting to this point has been a huge “team effort”, he says.

Thanks to his partner Harshi Shetty, preparing for the Ironman is a team effort for Kurt Peterson.

“I appreciate everything she’s done. Without her, things would be incredibly stressful.”

Kurt has been a member of the Cerebral Palsy Society since 2009, and also joined the Cerebral Palsy Youth Alliance spending time in the co-chair role, relishing the opportunity to help empower young people who have Cerebral Palsy.

“I’ve always had the pleasure of having the society on my side and I’ve made it my goal to help everyone the same way I was.”

Going forward he wants to motivate and inspire other people with Cerebral Palsy and “be the role model I never had” so they can reach their full potential.

“I want to break the stereotypes that someone with Cerebral Palsy can’t do something.”

Kurt will be competing in the Taupo Ironman on December 10.

To support his fundraising efforts, head to Kurt’s GiveaLittle page.

You can follow him on Facebook or Instagram.

This article was originally published in the Jan-Apr 2022 edition of The Review magazine.

For more information:
Melanie Louden
Communications Manager
melanie@cpsociety.org.nz
Mobile: 022 087 8191