Paul MacDonald

Christopher Paul MacDonald MBE (born 8 January 1960) is a New Zealand sprint canoeist who competed from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. He is widely regarded as one of New Zealand's most successful international athletes and holds innumerable international speed records in canoeing.

For the American politician and lawyer from Maine, see Paul A. MacDonald. For the American political scientist, see Paul K. MacDonald.
Paul MacDonald
MBE
Personal information
Full nameChristopher Paul MacDonald
Born (1960-01-08) 8 January 1960
Auckland, New Zealand
Sport
CountryNew Zealand
SportCanoe racing
Event(s)canoe sprint
PartnerIan Ferguson
Medal record
Representing  New Zealand
Men's canoe sprint
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place1984 Los AngelesK-2 500 m
Gold medal – first place1984 Los AngelesK-4 1000 m
Gold medal – first place1988 SeoulK-2 500 m
Silver medal – second place1988 SeoulK-2 1000 m
Bronze medal – third place1988 SeoulK-1 500 m
World Championships
Gold medal – first place1985 MechelenK-2 500 m
Gold medal – first place1987 DuisburgK-1 500 m
Gold medal – first place1987 DuisburgK-2 1000 m
Silver medal – second place1982 BelgradeK-2 500 m
Silver medal – second place1987 DuisburgK-2 500 m
Silver medal – second place1990 PoznańK-2 10000 m

Competing in three Summer Olympics, MacDonald won five medals. This included three golds (K-2 500 m: 1984, 1988; K-4 1000 m: 1984), one silver (K-2 1000 m: 1988), and one bronze (K-1 500 m: 1988). His five Olympic medals is the record for the second most Olympic medals won by a New Zealander, a record he shares with fellow canoeist Ian Ferguson, and equestrian Mark Todd.[1]

He also won six medals at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships with three golds (K-1 500 m: 1987, K-2 500 m: 1985, K-2 1000 m: 1987) and three silvers (K-2 500 m: 1982, 1987, K-2 10000 m: 1990).

In retirement from professional competition, MacDonald has produced many television sports events and programmes including Clash of the Codes (the ultimate sporting challenge) and annually presents the Dragon Boat Festival.

In the 1988 New Year Honours, MacDonald was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to canoeing.[2]

References
  1. "Sir Mark Todd overcome with emotion at prospect of sixth Olympic equestrian medal". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  2. "No. 51173". The London Gazette (3rd supplement). 31 December 1987. p. 34.


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