Freedom to Run Again: Kevin’s Story

Kevin Aleksich had always enjoyed an active lifestyle and after losing his leg to bone cancer at 21, he wasn’t going to let that stop him from pursing sport.

He discovered alpine skiing and his determination in the sport led him to represent New Zealand in ski competitions around the world, including the 1996 Winter Paralympics in Lillehammer Norway, where the team brought home six medals.

Kevin Aleksich’s profile picture on the NZ Paralympic Team website

Fast forward 38 years, when Kevin experienced something he never thought possible: going for a run.

The seed was planted after Kevin spent a year training for an aquabike event and completed the multisport race which involved a 2km swim and a 90km bike ride. Recognising his love of sports, a fellow athlete suggested Kevin might enjoy triathlons. Running had never entered Kevin’s mind. It was something he thought was out of reach.

Kevin scheduled an appointment with his prosthetist at Peke Waihanga who explored options with him. She helped him apply for and receive funding for a special running blade through the Peke Waihanga Foundation.

“Getting the chance to do something so normal, without obstacles, is phenomenal. I never thought I’d be able to go for a run with my kids – and now I can,” Kevin said, tears of gratitude in his eyes.

Within two weeks of receiving his new blade, Kevin had been out for six runs. Learning the technique has been challenging, but he was loving it.

At 59, Kevin is training for his first para-triathlon in November and hopes to complete six events before turning 60 in March to celebrate the milestone.

“Running is totally different from skiing,” Kevin explained. “Skiing is explosive – it’s two-and-a-half-minutes of incredibly fast-paced racing. Running is about rhythm and endurance. It’s new, and I’m enjoying the challenge.”

Support has come from all sides. Triathlon NZ reached out directly to ask how they could help him. “They made me feel so welcome,” he says.

Kevin also gives back, volunteering his time to support others adjusting to life after limb loss, through Peke Waihanga’s Peer Support Service. “There are always ups and downs,” he says, “but it’s so important to keep looking ahead and have support.” For Kevin, staying active and continuing to challenge himself has been crucial in keeping him “out of the black and in the sun”.

If you are interested in supporting the Peke Waihanga Foundation, please call 04 385 9410 or email foundation@pw.co.nz.