Halberg award winner amazed
A lifetime love and success with sport has been acknowledged with Opua’s Myra Larcombe winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Halberg awards.
Larcombe has been teaching children how to swim since the 1970’s, has represented New Zealand in Masters Swimming and played representative netball, softball and basketball as well as holding many administrative roles. She was a key figure in the establishment of the Bay of Islands Swimming Club in 1974 and held various positions there until 2010.
She also still holds a New Zealand Masters record for the 200m butterfly set in 1997.
It would be impossible to list all of her achievements - but she says she was amazed to win at the Halbergs.
‘‘Is it a hint that I should act my age and stay home and knit?,’’ Larcombe, 89, says.
‘‘I’ve always been obsessed with sport.
‘‘Sport is my thing.’’
The win is yet to sink in, she says.
Larcombe says she had to ‘‘wing’’ her acceptance speech and forgot about the camera that was positioned to capture her reaction upon the announcement of the award - people sent her pictures of her covering her face in shock, she says.
She had planned to watch how others did their speeches, if she had to make one, but was surprised to find her award was the second one to be presented.
Larcombe was chosen for the award from 14 finalists. Joining Larcombe on her table were Olympians Dame Valerie Adams, runner Nick Willis and swimmer Mary Fisher.
After the conclusion of the awards ceremony she says (Olympic Champion rower) Mahe Drysdale gave her a hug.
‘‘He asked for a photo, but it should have been the other way around.’’
She says it was great to meet the amazing athletes.
Larcombe will continue teaching swimming in schools until she can no longer get around, she says.
Kerikeri sailor Blair Tuke with skipper Peter Burling took out the Team of the Year category following their Olympic victory.
Winning the title after the fifth time being nominated, Tuke says it was awesome to win.
‘‘We always knew we would be a chance given what we managed to achieve last year and the four years leading up to Rio but you never know which way the panel will go.’’