Deon Kenzie | Redefining The Standard

Despite claiming medals in the 1500m T38  at the Rio Paralympics and all four World Para-Athletics Championships since 2013, there is no doubting that Deon Kenzie’s 2021 campaign is shaping up as his best yet. 

Kenzie recently became the first Australian man with cerebral palsy to shatter the four-minute barrier over 1500m when running 3:59.79, before just weeks later lowering the mark 3:55.09. 

The 2017 world champion has flourished in 2021 and puts his improvement down to the ever-improving competitiveness of his class, noting that a time in the 4:15 range leading into Rio equated to strong medal contention – but not anymore.  

“Going into Tokyo this year if you’re not running in that sub-four-minute range then you’re probably outside the medal range, so it just shows how much our category has progressed during this short period,” he said. 

“That’s a pretty motivating factor knowing that everyone else in your category is improving and that you need to be improving as well to put yourself in best contention for winning.” 

Kenzie is largely responsible for driving this increase in standard, along with arch-rival and good friend Nate Riech of Canada. 

“I’m running 3:55 and Nate’s running 3:50 but when it when it comes to a big race like the Paralympics it’s hardly anything, I’m just as much of a chance at winning the race as he is,” he said. 

“It is really good to see other people do well that have a similar impairment to myself but at the end of the day most of my motivation comes internally from just trying to be the best I can be.” 

Kenzie trains in Canberra under the watchful eye of Philo Saunders and alongside a strong group that includes Paralympians Michael Roeger and Jaryd Clifford, acknowledging both Saunders and the squad as key factors to his success. 

“The belief Philo instils in not just me but everyone in the group is unbelievable, he’s such a positive and optimistic guy. It’s so hard to describe because the culture in the squad makes me feel like I can go out there and run any time that I want,” he said. 

“There’s certainly a culture in our squad where we all feed off each other and we really genuinely all want the best for each other. I think when you’ve got so many great teammates around you that support you and really want the best for you it makes the journey so much easier.” 

The 25-year-old has enjoyed his move to Canberra, which is now home to many of Australia’s top Paralympians and Paralympic hopefuls. 

“The facilities in Canberra are exceptional. It’s an awesome environment for Para -athletics in general because it’s such a great training hub for all of us. I’m really fortunate to be surrounded by not only so many great athletes but also great people,” he said. 

Kenzie’s running journey which started as “added fitness for footy” has progressed rapidly into a trailblazing career that is far from over yet, with this year’s Paralympics in Tokyo just another opportunity to redefine the standard. 

“I just love the process of running itself, being able to improve yourself every day and it’s just a form of self-expression,” he said. 

“I want to inspire people to be the healthiest and fittest versions of themselves.” 

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 27/5/2021