Sport + Motorsport
Southland’s best in athletics were celebrated on Friday night, as the region came together for the second annual Athletics Achievement Awards. The evening, now a firm fixture on the athletics calendar, recognised excellence across a range of events, from youth to masters level, with notable winners including some of the country’s top emerging talent.
James McLeay took out the premier title of Athlete of the Year, as well as Distance Athlete of the Year, after a standout season that saw him achieve on both national and international stages.
Finalists in the distance category included Abby O’Boyle, Siena Mackley, and Millie McFadzien, each of whom had an outstanding season—O’Boyle even set new Southland records. But McLeay stood out for his impressive run to the 1500m final at the World Junior Championships in Peru, selection to the New Zealand Schools cross-country team which travelled to Kenya, and victories at the national U20 mile and national secondary schools 1500m. He also earned silver in the 3000m and ran the fastest U20 1500m time in six years.
Currently studying at Princeton University, McLeay was unable to attend the ceremony, but his parents Adam and Josie accepted the award on his behalf.
Other award winners included Connor Gilliland, who received the Sprint Athlete of the Year for his 110m hurdles national title and Southland records, and Ollie Davis, who won Jumps Athlete of the Year after national success and a personal best final jump that earned him bronze at senior level.
Bea Christie claimed a double, earning recognition as both Combined Event Athlete and Official of the Year. Despite just starting her officiating journey, she has already been appointed to major Classic Meets. On the field, she placed well in the national U18 heptathlon.
Carlie Scherp edged out strong competition from Hector O’Rourke, Bhodi Trevor Smith, and Lester Laughton to take the Throws Athlete of the Year, following top placings across the Oceania, New Zealand, and NZ Secondary Schools championships.
Laughton didn’t go home empty-handed—he was awarded Masters Athlete of the Year.
Jonti Dillinger, just 14, set a national T63 long jump record, winning the Para Athlete Award. He now holds NZ best marks in the 17, 18, 19 and senior age categories, and went unbeaten at the Southland Secondary Schools champs.
Queenstown coach Neville Britton was named Coach of the Year. He’s currently in Australia coaching the New Zealand Secondary Schools team at the Australian All Schools cross-country event.
The Jonty Carran Memorial Trophy for dedication and improvement went to Lucas Pemberton, who showed consistent progress across junior meets.
Guest speaker Laura Thompson shared her remarkable journey from national basketball player to Paralympic gold medallist in cycling. Her speech was a highlight of the night, leaving the audience both inspired and uplifted.
2024–2025 Athletics Southland Award Winners:
- Tudor Knight Trophy for Combined Event Athlete of the Year – Bea Christie
- Fiordland Athletics Club Trophy for Master’s Athlete of the Year – Lester Laughton
- Lesley Cantwell Memorial Cup for Southland Distance Athlete of the Year – James McLeay
- Brian McEwan Memorial Trophy for Official of the Year – Bea Christie
- Smith & Knight Coaches Cup for Coach of the Year – Neville Britton
- Raylene Bates Trophy for Para Athlete of the Year – Jonti Dillinger
- Rodney Hogg Memorial Cup for Throws Athlete of the Year – Carlie Scherp
- Baker Trophy for Sprint Athlete of the Year – Connor Gilliland
- Swanson Trophy for Jumps Athlete of the Year – Ollie Davis
- Jonty Carran Memorial Trophy for 100% Dedication and Most Improved Points at Junior Meets – Lucas Pemberton
- Dalgety Travel Trophy for Southland Athlete of the Year – James McLeay
The awards night not only spotlighted individual excellence but also highlighted the strong sense of community and support behind Southland athletics.