Career

He is widely regarded as one of New Zealand"s most successful international athletes and holds innumerable international speed records in canoeing. This included three golds (K-2 500 m: 1984, 1988. K-4 1000 m: 1984), one silver (K-2 1000 m: 1988), and one bronze (K-1 500 m: 1988)

In retirement from professional competition, MacDonald has produced many television sports events and programmes including Clash of the Codes (the ultimate sporting challenge) and annually presents the Dragon Boat Festival.

Achievements

• Competing in three Summer Olympics, MacDonald won five medals. He also won six medals at the International Coach Federation Canoe Sprint World Championships with three golds (K-1 500 m: 1987, K-2 500 m: 1985, K-2 1000 m: 1987) and three silvers (K-2 500 m: 1982, 1987, K-2 10000 m: 1990).

Membership

In the 1988 New Year Honours, MacDonald was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to canoeing.