Carrington takes supreme award

Six months after winning two medals at the Rio Olympics, New Zealand’s premier paddler Lisa Carrington enjoyed another crowning moment at the Halberg Awards.

Carrington stood atop a virtual dais in Auckland last night, the 22-year-old from Tauranga calmly accepted yet more acclaim after receiving the supreme Halberg Award and the sportswoman of the year (2016) accolade.

Earlier in the programme, Carrington, who won the K1 200 gold and bronze in the K1 500 bronze in Brazil, replaced world No1 golfer Lydia Ko as New Zealand’s leading sportswoman.

Carrington’s recognition was anticipated, and there was no surprise when the ageless Mahe Drysdale – who provided New Zealand with arguably the most memorable moment from Rio when defending his Olympic single sculls title by millimetres – rose to accept the sportsman of the year honour.

Drysdale was chosen ahead of shot putter Tom Walsh, 1500m runner Nick Willis - both bronze medallists in Rio - and recently anointed WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.

There was a rare defeat for legendary rowers Hamish Bond and Eric Murray, off the water at least, when Olympic 49er sailing champions Peter Burling and Blair Tuke were named the Team of the Year award winners.

Paralympian Liam Malone, who captivated the nation when sprinting to a brace of golds and a silver in Rio, won the Disabled

Sportsperson of the Year award ahead of former winner Sophie Pascoe – who received a leadership award – fellow swimmer Mary Fisher and long jumper Anna Grimaldi.

Carrington’s long-term coach Gordon Walker was recognised with the coach of the year award, heading a field of nominees that included Steve Hansen, Hamish Willcox (Men’s 49er) and Jeremy Mccoll, who co-ordinated pole vaulter Eliza Mccartney’s emergence in 2016.