Walsh dared to dream big – his first coach told him to
New Zealand’s top sportsperson dared to dream big because of the words of advice his former coach drummed into him after each practise.
Timaru’s Tom Walsh, who won both supreme Halberg Award and the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year titles, on Thursday night, made special mention of things his first coach Ian Baird – a man he titles and the Diamond League.
The world shot put supremo had more special words about Baird yesterday.
‘‘He’s the reason why I’m in this sport. The guy gave me a lot of confidence and to believe in myself.
‘‘If there were more Ian Bairds in sport, not just athletics, all sports would be better off.’’
Walsh also agreed with his dad’s summation that it was strange to see him speechless when the supreme award was announced.
‘‘I think I get it from my mum’s side as I’m not normally short for a word. But I was completely shocked to be named the winner.
‘‘I had thought I might have a shot at the sportsman’s award in a tough battle with Scott Dixon.
‘‘To receive the Halberg was a complete shock. I didn’t know what to say ... it was a great surprise.’’
Peter Walsh said his son’s ‘‘loss for words was because he is a modest fellow.’’
He added it was a different story in the shot put circle, however, where the champion ‘‘absolutely believes he can win’’.
‘‘He does work hard and his tremendous self-belief gets him across the line in competitions.
‘‘I hope it makes everyone in South Canterbury proud.’’
Peter said Tom has never forgotten his roots – still often coming to his original coach Ian Baird for advice and coaching.
‘‘The foundation for what he’s achieved is certainly South Canterbury.
‘‘Without all that support he wouldn’t be where he is today and he doesn’t forget that.’’
Tom Walsh’s winning performances in the Diamond League men’s shot put in Zurich last August added to an already outstanding year in which he won gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the World Indoor title.
The former Timaru Boys’ High School student and South Canterbury Athletics Club member became the first athlete from the region to claim the supreme award.
South Canterbury Athletics Club president Grant Lord said the achievement was ‘‘fantastic’’ for Walsh.
‘‘It’s a recognition of the coaching structures of South Canterbury, particularly with Ian Baird, and the ability to take someone from a smaller centre through to the world stage.’’
Lord said Walsh was ‘‘very well thought of and considered quite often’’ by members of the club.
Timaru Boys’ High School rector Nick McIvor said the school was delighted ‘‘our Tom’’ had excelled again.
‘‘Each year he’s throwing better and the world record is now waiting for him. All of Timaru should be very proud of Tom and what he’s achieved, and the character he’s shown.’’
Sport Canterbury South Canterbury regional manager Shaun Campbell said it was a ‘‘fantastic’’ achievement by Walsh.