Steve Gurney
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| Personal information | |
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| Born |
8 July 1963 Christchurch, New Zealand |
Stephen Bruce Gurney MNZM (born 8 July 1963) is a New Zealand multisport and triathlon athlete. He has won the Coast to Coast race a record nine times.
Up until 1994, he was a professional multisport and triathlon athlete. From there he moved into what is known as adventure racing. In New Zealand, he has competed in races such as the Speights Coast to Coast and the Southern Traverse. Internationally he competes in race events such as the Raid Gauloises, Eco-Challenge and Extreme Games. He won the Coast to Coast, more than any other person, in 1990, 1991, and 1997 to 2003. Gurney also starred in the New Zealand TV show "Clash of the Codes".
In 1994, a severe Leptospirosis infection caught from bat dung in the Mulu caves whilst racing in Sarawak jungles in Malaysia very nearly cost him his life with respiratory and renal failure. His determination and patience allowed him to fight back to full fitness.
Gurney was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to endurance sport in the 2004 New Year Honours.
On 8 August 2007, he announced his retirement from the sport due to a two-year fight with an ankle injury. He said he was disappointed that he could not win a 10th Coast to Coast title and also that he finished his last competitive race in 2nd place. He also broke his arm going on the trip on the desert. He now presents motivational talks, develops new sports related products and undertakes unique challenges around the world Together with Christchurch adventure racers Steve Moffatt, Gurney recognised the strong talent in Anton Cooper, a cross-country cyclist, and organised financial support from various business people.
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