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Nikau Peipi took out the national F46 javelin record at the 2021 Jennian Homes New Zealand Track and Field Championships (Photo: Alisha Lovrich)

The 17-year-old is a Para athlete on the rise. We chat to the versatile Tasman-based athlete who is the current owner of national senior records in the T47 100m, 200m, high jump, long jump and F46 shot and javelin.

Why did you start athletics?

I got invited to attend the Halberg Games in 2019, thought I would give it a go and just fell in love with it.

What was the last piece of athletics advice you received?

“Do what you feel you are best at, and the thing you most like.”

What has been your career highlight?

Running the 100m at the 2020 New Zealand nationals in Christchurch.

What has been your athletics low?

Not being able to attend Halberg Games in 2020 due to Covid.

Where do you see your athletics career ten years from now?

Still training hard, with a couple of world champs and hopefully one Paralympic Games behind me.

What is your greatest mistake in athletics?

Starting so late in my life.

Which athlete is the most interesting to follow on social media?

Eddie Osei-Nketia.

Outside of athletics, what is your greatest accomplishment this year?

Making the U18 New Zealand Touch Trial in July this year.

What was your most embarrassing moment in high school?

When I get called to go onstage at assembly.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Some sort of bird, not sure why just think it would be cool to fly.

Do you have a nickname?

Yes, Neeks & Peipz.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

It would be cool to be invisible, so then I can disappear when getting called onstage at assembly!

What is the funniest joke you know?

The 2021 Queensland Rugby League Team.

Where do you see yourself when you are 50?

I don’t really want to think about being that old!

What is the most ridiculous fact you know?

It is illegal to call your twins “Fish and Chips”.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?

Getting rid of Covid-19.

If you could host a talk show, which three guests would you invite and why?

Kevin Hart, Israel Adesanya, and Alan from the Hangover – because they would be hilarious!