David MacCalman explained

Full Name:David Francis MacCalman
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David Francis MacCalman (born 30 September 1958)[1] is a Paralympian athlete from New Zealand competing mainly in category P53 pentathlon events. He lost the use of his legs after sustaining a spinal cord injury while diving into a river.[2] He competed in the 1992 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain. There he finished fourth in the men's Shot put – THW2 event, finished fifth in the men's javelin throw – THW2 event, finished twelve in the men's discus throw – THW2-3 event, finished seventh in the men's 200 metres – TW2 event and went out in the first round of the men's 800 metres – TW2 event. He also competed at the 1996 Summer Paralympics in Atlanta, United States. There he won a silver medal in the men's javelin throw – F51 event and finished sixth in the men's Shot put – F51 event. He also competed at the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney, Australia. There he won a gold medal in the men's Pentathlon – P53 event, a gold medal in the men's javelin throw – F52 event and finished fourth in the men's Shot put – F52 event. He also competed at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Atlanta, United States. There he finished twelve in the men's javelin throw – F52-53 event and finished ninth in the men's Shot put – F52 event. In the 2001 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to sport.[3]

In 2011, MacCalman was the first person in New Zealand to buy the REX Bionics exoskeleton orthosis to enable him to walk.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Taylor . Alister . Alister Taylor . New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa 2001 . 2001 . Alister Taylor Publishers . Auckland . 1172-9813.
  2. https://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/new-zealand-paralympian-buys-first-rex-bionics-exoskeleton-take/ New Zealand Paralympian buys First Rex Bionics Exoskeleton
  3. Web site: New Year honours list 2001 . 30 December 2000 . Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet . 14 October 2019.