Ian Ferguson

Ian Gordon Ferguson (born 20 July 1952) is New Zealand's second most successful Olympian. He won four Olympic gold medals competing in K1, K2, and K4 kayak events, and attended five Summer Olympics between 1976 and 1992. He also won two canoe sprint world championship titles.

Early life and family

Ferguson was born in Taumarunui on 20 July 1952, the son of Gilbert and Winsome Ferguson. He was educated at Palmerston North Boys' High School,

In the 1985 New Year Honours, Ferguson was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to canoeing.

New Zealand's flagbearer at the opening ceremony of the 1988 Summer Olympics,

Post professional sports In 1990 Ferguson started a kayak retail and hire business named Ferg's Kayaks.

Ferguson also starred in the NZ TV show Clash of the Codes, having been in the winning team on two occasions.

In 2009, Ferguson began fronting a campaign to build an international whitewater canoeing stadium in Manukau City. Vector Wero Whitewater Park was opened in 2016, with Ferguson as general manager.

Ferguson's son, Steven Ferguson, has also represented New Zealand at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, both in canoeing and swimming events.