Donate Now
Paralympian Profile

Edward Nichols #28

Ed Nichols, New Zealand Paralympian

Ed Nichols lost his leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of 17. He immigrated from the UK in 1949 after being inspired by a poster of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. An accomplished amputee ice skater, he joined a group of pioneers at Mount Cheeseman’s Canterbury Winter Sports Club and quickly adapted to skiing winning the Club championships in the Downhill.

A very keen competitor Ed went on to represent New Zealand in the Men’s Giant Slalom 2A and Men’s Slalom 2A in Geilo in Norway in 1980 at the second Paralympic Winter Games (known at the time as the Olympic Winter Games for the Disabled). It was the first time in history that New Zealand participated in the Paralympic Winter Games. Ed was part of the team of 3 Kiwi Paralympians to compete in Norway. This was one of the biggest highlights in his life.

In the summers he was also a very competitive kayaker winning several Christchurch races. He was an open ocean sailor having sailed solely with his wife Shirley Nichols (now passed away)?throughout the Pacific Islands, Chatham Islands, Australia and Stewart Island. He has lived a very full and adventurous life. Ed’s passion for the mountains has never waned.

Ed officially received his ‘numbered’ Paralympic pin as part of The Celebration Project in Christchurch in October 2019 on the day of his 96th birthday.

On December 17, 2020, Ed Nichols passed away peacefully at Elmswood Retirement Village, aged 97 years.

Paralympic Results
Paralympic GamesResult
Geilo 1980 Paralympic Winter Games

Profile

  • home icon

    Hometown: Christchurch

  • cake icon

    Born: 11 October 1923

  • flag icon

    Ethnicity: European

  • Eligible Impairment: Below knee amputee

  • calendar icon

    Games Year: Geilo 1980

  • star icon

    Para Sport: Para alpine skiing

You may also like

You may also like

  • Corey Peters on podium in Beijing 2022

    Gold medal sit-skier awarded MNZM

    Paralympian Corey Peters has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2023 New Year Honours. As New Zealand Paralympian #188, Corey has represented New Zealand at three Paralympic Winter Games:…
    Read More about Gold medal sit-skier awarded MNZM.
  • Corey Peters presents Aaron Ewen with Paralympic pin

    Winter Paralympian Aaron Ewen recognised with official number

    Photo: Corey Peters (left) presents Aaron Ewen (right) with his official numbered Paralympic pin. Credit Snow Sports New Zealand. The 2022 Snow Sports NZ Awards Night presented by Racers Edge was the setting for a special…
    Read More about Winter Paralympian Aaron Ewen recognised with official number.
  • young visually impaired skier with guide

    Don’t miss the 2022 Adaptive Snowsports Festival!

    Thank you to Snow Sports New Zealand for this guest article. Thank you to photographer Simon Darby for the fantastic photos in this article. In just under two weeks’ time, from 5-7 August, the Adaptive Snowsports…
    Read More about Don’t miss the 2022 Adaptive Snowsports Festival!.

Our Partners

Major Partner

Official Partners

Team Supporters

Official Suppliers

Funding Partners