FROM ATHLETE TO ADVOCATE
“You can’t do this.”
It’s a phrase Guy Harrison has heard more times than he can count. But instead of accepting limitations, Guy has made it his mission to prove otherwise – for himself, and now for others. Born was cerebral palsy and told as a child he’d never walk, run, swim, or bike, Guy’s journey began with defiance and belief – his own and his parents’. “They were both top athletes”, he say. “They used swimming and golf to push back against what doctors told them.” Growing up in Hawkes Bay, Guy immersed himself in sport, from football to cricket, refused to be defined by his disability.
In 2012, everything changed when he attended his first disability-specific event: the Independence Games. “It was like that ‘wow’ feeling of your first Halberg Games,” Guy recalls.”I realised there were others like me. That moment changed my outlook – suddenly there were pathways, goals, and athletes I could look up to, like Jacob Phillips, a CP runner who inspired me.” Not long after, Athletics New Zealand noticed Guy’s talent and tapped him on the shoulder, opening his eyes to the possibility of the Paralympics. “At the time I didn’t even know what that was,” he laughs. “But that spark stuck with me.”
Guy’s path hasn’t been easy. bullying, being underestimated, and constantly having to prove himself were challenges he faced growing up.”The hardest part of being different,” he says. “But I’ve always believed that if you work hard, you can prove people wrong.” Despite being told he couldn’t compete at the Colgate Games – a mainstream athletics event for young people – Guy and his local athletics community fought to get him on the start line.”I came last and nearly got lapped, but I told them I wanted to break my PB – and the T35 New Zealand record.” The next year, he did just that.
His sporting achievements are impressive. He holds Oceania records in the 800m and 1500 events, won silver at the World Junior Athletics Championships in Switzerland in 2017, became the first New Zealander selected for the EDGA Invitational Golf event on the European Tour in Span in 2024, and has represented New Zealand in golf, athletics, swimming and badminton.”Sport gave me confidence, identity, and a sense of belonging,” he says.”It’s shaped who I am.”
Joining the Halberg Youth Council marked a new chapter in Guy’s life. Though quiet and humble by nature, the encouragement from existing Council members gave him the confidence to apply.”I’d always wanted to, but low self-esteem held me back. In the end, I wanted to give back to my region and be a voice for others.” Over four years, Guy found his voice and grew as a leader.”I learned that youth can inspire – not just kids, but adults too. Being part of a team, building confidence, working with others…those are life skills I’ll always carry with me.”
One unforgettable moment was ushering at the 2022 Halberg Awards – and then being invited to speak on stage.”it pushed me outside my comfort zone, but that’s how you grow. That night helped shape who I am today.” Now 23, Guy works as the Regional Advisor for Parafed Manawatū, where he organises and runs inclusive events for young disabled tamariki. His day-to-day includes visiting schools, running adaptive activities, and building awareness around the importance of inclusion in sport and recreation.”I’ve achieved a lot through sport, and now I want to help others achieve their goals – without going through the same barriers I did.”
He’s particularly proud of a five-week inclusive programme he created during his final year of study, which reached 400 intermediate students in Hawke’s Bay.”Most of them had never experienced disability sport. Only half even knew what the Paralympics were. But by the end, they’d learned how to support their peers, adapt activities, and think differently. That’s why I do this. The future lies in these small changes.”
Looking ahead, Guy’s vision is clear: more access, more inclusion, and more opportunities for every family in Aotearoa.”I want to see kids have access to whatever sport they want, and for every community to have someone who can guide and support them.” His message to young disabled people is simple: “Find what you love and give it everything. Coaches are out there – you just have to look. And work hard when no one’s watching.” And if he could speak to his younger self? “You will beat Dad at golf. Be confident. Take your opportunities. Keep going – even when you’re coming last. Good things are coming if you stay committed.”
From a boy told he’d never walk to a regional leader championing change, Guy Harrison’s story is a powerful reminder that with belief, support, and determination, anything is possible.
