The night before the prestigious Wellington Round the Bays, our annual awards night was held at the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor.  

Congratulations to everyone on an incredible year and a further congratulations to our awards recipients.  

It was a tough decision to whittle it down to the select few winners due to the large amount of talent coming through our Achilles organisation.

Our Winners were:

Athlete of the Year: Susan Evans (Manawatū)​
Athlete of the Year: Blair McConnell (Christchurch)​
Athlete of the Year: Lesley Warner-Bird (Tauranga)
Athlete of the Year: Sharon O’Hara (Manawatū)​

Guide of the Year: Katherine Anton (Wellington)​
Guide of the Year: John Le Riche (Auckland)​
Guide of the Year: Rosie Hay (Christchurch)​
Guide of the Year: Mark Boon (Christchurch)​ 

Volunteer of the Year:​ Tessa Donaldson (Christchurch)​ 
Volunteer of the Year:​  Deb Sheard (Manawatū)

Most Improved Member:​  Deanna Rogers (Manawatū)
Rookie of the Year (Athlete):​ Annie Pesamino (Manawatū)​
Rookie of the Year (Guide):​  Cara Lockwood (Manawatū)​

Youth Athlete of the Year: ​Tamahau Hicks (Tauranga)

Veteran Athlete of the Year:​  Dave MacCalman (Waikato)​

Kia Kaha Award:​  Lorraine Edgar (Manawatū)​
Spirit of Achilles:​ Deb Sheard ​(Manawatū)​
Spirit of Achilles:​ Mike Assmussen (Christchurch)​

Chapter of the Year: ​Manawatū​  
Honorary Life Member: ​Peter Loft​

We heard a honest recount of previous challenges Lee Warn faced throughout his life, including his desire to create memories for other racers while out on course through his hand built costumes.  

We also listened to a panel Q&A from Vanessa Gopperth, Mike Lloyd and Pau Barclay hosted by Maia (National Administration Manager) as they gave their opinions on inspiration, not taking yourself too seriously and just getting stuck into life.  

I am sure those in attendance walked away with something to think about or a new way of looking at life, I know I certainly did.  

Thanks must also go out to RAVE EVENTS for the lighting and sound which added the icing on the cake to a perfect night. Check out their website here!

Article added: Tuesday 01 April 2025