The Maurie Kjar Aquatic Centre in Kawerau had a surprise visitor yesterday – American Paralympic swimming legend John Morgan, whose appearance created a wave of excitement among council staff.

Mr Morgan, 63, is a 13-time Paralympic gold medallist who still competes at an international level. Staff at the Kawerau District Council confirmed he was spotted doing laps at the town’s public pool.

Born and raised in California, Mr Morgan began swimming as a child and turned to competitive swimming after losing his sight as a teenager in a workout accident. Rather than give up, he pushed forward – becoming one of the most decorated Paralympic swimmers.

Most recently, Morgan competed at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore. Now based in Denmark, he is visiting New Zealand for the first time with his wife, Danish swimmer Carmit Romano-Hvid.

The couple’s journey has taken them across the country – starting in Christchurch, then travelling through Dunedin, Queenstown, Wellington, Tauranga, and now Kawerau – where Mr Morgan is visiting a close friend of 40 years.

“He loved the Maurie Kjar Aquatic Centre,” council staffer said.

“He commented on how open and inviting the facility felt.”

Mr Morgan said he had swum at pools in every town he visited.

Their next stops include Rotorua and Auckland before the pair fly on to Fiji to continue their travels. Mr Morgan is also preparing for his next competition: the Scandinavian Swimming Championships later this year.