Kenzie Calls Time on Glittering Career

After 12 years at the forefront of para athletics, Paralympic silver medallist and former world champion Deon Kenzie has announced his retirement, drawing a curtain on a journey that has inspired countless young athletes with cerebral palsy.

A trailblazer in para middle distance running, Kenzie’s accolades include silver at Rio 2016, bronze at the Tokyo Paralympics, and a coveted World Para Athletics Championships gold in 2017 in London, along with five more medals from the prestigious meet.

Yet the significance of his career stretches far beyond the medals.

“Rio was incredibly special,” Kenzie said.

“Having my family, coaches and friends there made it a moment I’ll never forget. And Tokyo too, in its own way was important – it represented all the hard work that went into overcoming the challenges of those years leading up to it.”

Kenzie’s career has not just been about personal victories but pushing boundaries for others. In 2020, he became the first Australian athlete with cerebral palsy to break the four-minute barrier in the 1500m – a landmark achievement that inspired a new wave of para athletes to push the limits of the sport.

“For a long time, I was the only CP (cerebral palsy) athlete in the world running 140km a week, doing the same workload as able-bodied athletes, and people probably wouldn’t have understood what that means with a condition like mine. I hope it’s inspired the next generation to keep pushing boundaries and achieving what others might believe is impossible.”

His influence helped transform the 1500m T38 into one of the most competitive events in para-athletics, with Australian athletes still leading the charge since taking the world crown in 2017. Rising stars Angus Hincksman and Reece Langdon are among those building on the foundation Kenzie laid.

“To see others chasing these records and raising the standard – it’s what you hope for as an athlete. The depth in the class now is incredible and that’s exactly what para athletics needs.”

Coached by Mike Gunson and Philo Saunders throughout his career, Kenzie’s decision to retire follows months of reflection. After narrowly missing selection for the Paris Paralympic Games, he saw it as an opportunity to explore other passions.

“Even if I put everything into it, I knew I might not be competitive enough to win another Paralympic medal – and I’m okay with that. It’s the perfect time to close this chapter and watch the next generation shine.”

While stepping back from elite competition, the proud Tasmanian is already looking to new horizons, including a marathon and charity run amongst his entrepreneurial work.

“Having CP, running was initially a way to prove what I was capable of and to excel at something I loved. Over time, it became a core part of who I am, making it hard to imagine life outside of athletics.” he said.

“Running will always be a part of me. It’s about putting one foot in front of the other, no matter the challenges or circumstances, and now, it’s about finding new ways to give back.”

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 13/12/2024