Three join ‘impressive’ sports finalists
South Canterbury’s world champion blade shearer Allan Oldfield, dog trialist Sally Mallinson and rodeo organiser Gemma Oliver have been nominated for the New Zealand Rural Sports Awards for 2019.
Oldfield, of Geraldine, who became the best in his profession in Le Dorat, France, in October, has been nominated in the rural sportsman of the year category. He said he was overjoyed to be nominated for his first national award.
Mallinson, also of Geraldine, received a nomination for her work in sheep dog trials in the contribution to rural sport category. Oliver, of Winchester, is also nominated in the same category for her dedication to rodeo.
The finalists are leaders in traditional rural sports such as shearing, fencing, wool handling and dog trials, tree climbing and duck calling.
‘‘It’s pretty exciting, really... The names on the list [are] pretty impressive,’’ Oldfield said.
The 29-year-old has won a string of shearing competitions in Europe, Australian and New Zealand and said his nomination was a culmination of his consistent performances.
Oldfield paid tribute to the support from his family which he said had helped him to reach the top of his profession.
‘‘My family have been great supporters of me – my father who is my coach, my partner who loves travelling as I do – and that has really helped me with my training and performance in competitions all around the world.’’
He also credited his fellow nominee, Mallinson. ‘‘I learnt to blade shear on her farm at the age of 12. It’s great to have a connection with someone else who has been nominated.’’
The awards ceremony will take place in Palmerston North on March 13.