Dunstan High School (DHS) year 12 student Mac Denniston scooped three medals at the New Zealand Secondary Schools athletics nationals in Christchurch earlier this month.

Mac won gold in the para senior shot put, and silver in both discus and javelin. 

He also broke two New Zealand records with a 16.73m discus throw and a 13.53m javelin throw. 

His next goal is to compete at the national track and field championships in March, to be held in Wellington. 

Mac had a mountain bike accident in 2020 resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) which has left him with difficulty on one side of his body, affecting balance and coordination. 

His mother Maree Denniston said he has been reclassified following tests from physiotherapists as an F34 para athlete so he throws from a seated position.

She said he was stoked and excited about his results and was going to keep training.

“He’s joined the gym, he’ll be doing weights there . . . his coach is Raylene Bates the NZ Para athletes coach for the Paralympics next year.”

Maree said Raylene fits in 45 minute sessions with Mac when she travels from Dunedin through Central to her holiday home in Albert Town. 

Strength and conditioning is happening outside of the gym too, Maree said. 

“He’s been tailing lambs at home, and picking up cherry buckets on the orchard too.”

DHS sports coordinator Sally Mullally said it was great seeing Mac out there and performing so well.