A range of standout Upper Clutha athletes are represented in the list of finalists for this year’s Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards. 

Sport Central sport and recreation advisor Jo Knight said there was an “unprecedented” number of nominations this year and she was pleased to see them come from a range of sports including sailing, equestrian games, ice hockey, multi-sport, para-athletics and rowing. 

Many of the finalists are national or world champions, showing the depth of sporting talent in Central Otago, she said.

Among the finalists in the Junior Sportswoman category (sponsored by Health 2000) are junior world champion snowboarder Lucia Georgalli and national track title holder Phoebe Laker.

“It is exciting to see these Kōhine coming from our smaller, rural communities and excelling at national and world championships,” Jo said.

The equally competitive Junior Sportsman category (sponsored by Galloway Cook Allan) includes finalists (and Youth Olympians) Finley Melville Ives, Campbell Melville Ives and Luke Harrold.

The Sportswoman of the year (sponsored by Gary Anderson) finalists include multisport champ Simone Maier and Olympic-medal winning snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott.

Some big international names line up in the Sportsman of the year category (sponsored by Bike It Now) against Wānaka locals Hunter Burke (luge), Nico Porteous (Freeski Halfpipe), Luca Harrington (Freeski, Big Air and Slopestyle), Finn Bilous (Freeride) and Hamish Elliott (Multisport).

The Officials’ category (sponsored by Findex) includes Wānaka rowing stalwart Rob Bruce.

The newly introduced Hall of Fame (sponsored by Central Lakes Trust) will recognise athletes, coaches or administrators whose contribution has been so significant they have helped shape the culture and environment of the Central Otago sporting landscape.

The Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards will take place on Friday May 10 at the Lake Wānaka Centre. Tickets can be purchased here.

Full list of finalists:

Bike It Now Sportsman of the year:

Hunter Burke, Luge

Nico Porteous, Freeski Halfpipe

Luca Harrington Freeski, Big Air and Slopestyle

Ben Richards, Freeride

Finn Bilous, Freeride

Jack Pearson, Rowing

Ben Campbell, Golf

Hayden Paddon, Motorsport

Finn Butcher, Canoe Slalom

Hamish Elliott, Multisport

Gary Anderson Sportswoman of the year:

Caitlyn Henderson, Equestrian Games

Alice Robinson, Alpine Ski Racing

Ruby Star Andrews, Freeski Big Air and Slopestyle

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air

Simone Maier, Coast to Coast

Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman of the year:

Oliver Goldsmith, Canoe Slalom

Mason Clarke, Cricket

Jake Henderson, Equestrian Games

Raphael Anderson, Golf

Finley Melville Ives, Freeskiing

Campbell Melville Ives, Snowboard Halfpipe, Big Air and Slopestyle

Luke Harrold, Freeski Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big Air

Rocco Jamieson, Snowboard Big Air and Slopestyle

Eddie Adams, Mountain Biking/Road Cycling

Rory Meek, Downhill Mountain Biking

Health 2000 Junior Sportswoman of the year:

Sophie Fountain, Equestrian Showjumping

Sky Sanders, Barrel Racing - Rodeo

Grace Tiko, Netball

Maggie Dowling, Luge

Polly Bennetts, Ice Hockey

Lucia Georgalli, Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air

Indy Deavoll, Mountain Biking

Eva Small, Mountainbiking and freeskiing

Phoebe Laker, Athletics

Zara Hazeldine, Equestrian

Siena Mackley, Cross Country

Jennian Homes Team of the Year:

Mabel North and Madison Smith, Sailing

Harry Hope & Hugo Sinclair, boys u18 novice double sculls

Rowing - Mount Aspiring College/Wānaka Rowing Club

Men's senior quad Dunstan arm RC Rowing

NZ Junior Men's curling team, Curling

Wakatipu High School U17 Boys Double Sculls Crew Rowing

Bella Breen and Ruby, Smith Rowing

Southern Lakes Motors Para Athlete of the year:

Adam Hall, Para Alpine Ski Racing

Mac Denniston, Athletics - Field events

Wānaka Physiotherapy Spirit of Central Senior:

Hunter Burke, Luge & Curling

Rob Bruce, Rowing

Flick Wallace, Ski racing

Duncan and Kelly Good Ray White Spirit of Central Junior:

Jess Lake, Athletics

Eva Small, Mountain biking and freeskiing, overall sports.

Maggie Dowling, New Zealand Olympic Luge Association

Findex Official of the Year:

Sasha McLeod, Netball

Rob Bruce, Rowing (Mount Aspiring College/Wānaka Rowing Club)

Flick Wallace, Ski racing

Workplace First Aid Coach of the Year:

Brad Prosser, Freeski Park and Pipe

Michael Beable, Athletics

Simon Smith, Rowing