New Zealander · Taumarunui, New Zealand · Born 20 July 1952New Zealand sprint kayaker who became the first Kiwi to win three gold medals at a single Olympics, remaining New Zealand's most successful Olympian for decades.
Ian Gordon Ferguson was born on 20 July 1952 in Taumarunui, New Zealand, and first competed nationally in kayak in 1974 after building a background in surf lifesaving, where he won multiple national ironman titles. He was one of only four New Zealanders to defy the Western boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, reaching two finals there after a period away from the sport due to lack of funding. Ferguson's defining moment came at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he won three gold medals in the space of two days - the K-1 500m, then 90 minutes later the K-2 500m with partner Paul MacDonald, and the following day the K-4 1,000m alongside MacDonald, Alan Thompson, and Grant Bramwell. It was the first and only time a New Zealand team of any sport swept multiple golds at a single Olympics, and made Ferguson the first Kiwi to win two gold medals in one day. He was named New Zealand Sportsperson of the Year for the achievement. At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, at age 36, Ferguson and MacDonald defended their K-2 500m title by less than 0.2 seconds over the Soviet crew, adding a silver in the K-2 1,000m. He went on to compete at two more Olympics, reaching the K-2 1,000m final at Barcelona 1992 aged 40, becoming the first New Zealander to compete at five Olympic Games. His four Olympic gold medals stood as a national record for decades, and he was appointed MBE for services to canoeing. After retiring, Ferguson became a national kayaking coach and later general manager of Auckland's Wero Whitewater Park.
Becoming the first New Zealander to win three gold medals at a single Olympics, at the 1984 Los Angeles Games
How They Played
Versatile sprint kayaker equally strong across the K-1, K-2, and K-4 boat classes, known for a devastating finishing sprint and remarkable career longevity
Lasting Impact
Regarded as one of New Zealand's greatest Olympians, whose four gold medals stood as the national record for decades until being surpassed by fellow kayaker Lisa Carrington
Career Honours
- 4x Olympic Gold Medalist (1984x3, 1988)
- 5 Olympic medals across 5 Olympic Games (1976-1992)
- First New Zealander to win 2 golds in one day, and 3 golds at one Olympics
- 2x World Champion (K-2 500m, 1985 & 1987)
New Zealander Athletes