Josh Te Kowhai is a humble man who prefers not to be the centre of attention.
The man nicknamed the 'Sheriff of Koutu' has had to get a little more used to the spotlight, however, since being named a recipient of the Tony Jackson Scholarship for Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand eight weeks ago.
Surrounded by friends, family and workmates when he was surprised in a staged reveal, 44-year-old Te Kowhai is still a bit embarrassed by the fuss, but humbled by the support.
"To be honest it was quite surreal, I ran back in and everyone was clapping, and I was just going 'what is everyone clapping for?' I tried to duck out of everyone's line of sight and I looked up and saw the camera on me and I thought 'oh my gosh', it was so surreal.
"I realised what was happening then when I saw the Ironman logos on the shirts, but it was so surreal – and amazing, all mixed in together."
Left wrecked by a car accident in 2004, when living in Australia, Te Kowhai broke all the bones in his ankles, shattered both knees, smashed his jaw and all of his teeth and broke both wrists and arms.
He was told by doctors he would never walk or play sports and would need to look at a new career. At that time, he was at the peak of his rugby career playing professional rugby for the Brumbies feeder team.
A long journey followed, one that saw him return to rugby and then eventually home to New Zealand, where he has since established himself as a personal trainer, working with those in the Rotorua community, including at-risk youth.