Jordan reigns supreme again at NZ Rural Sports Awards Timbersports
Timbersports competitor Jack Jordan reclaimed the spotlight at the New Zealand Rural Sports Awards, winning the top award for the second year in a row.
The awards, part of the New Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North at the weekend, were held at Awapuni Racecourse on Friday night and showcased the pinnacle of rural athleticism.
More than 430 rural sports athletes, administrators and food and fibre sector representatives attended the awards, whereJordanalso won the rural sportsman of the year award.
His remarkable victories in timbersports, notably winning the World Champions Trophy 2023 and in the process set a world record, sat alongside other achievements throughout the year.
The ceremony celebrated the contributions of individuals like Anne Paterson, who was honoured with the rural sportswoman of the year award, and Clay Harris, who was hailed as the young rural sportsperson of the year.
The gala dinner also recognised the unwavering commitment of individuals like Grant Calder, winner of the rural sportsperson with a disability award, whose resilience and dedication in the face of adversity is inspirational.
An array of distinguished guests graced
New Zealand Rural Sports Awards supreme winner Jack Jordan, left, with Ford NZ’s managing director Simon Rutherford.
the evening's festivities, including Olympic swimmer Lewis Clareburt, Olympic rower Joseph Sullivan, and All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka.
Category winners:
NZ rural sortsperson award and NZ rural sportsman of the year: Jack Jordan of Taumarunui – timbersports.
NZ rural sportswoman of the year: Anne Paterson, a Queensland-based New Zealander – timbersports.
Rural sportsperson with a disability: Grant Calder – sheep dog trials.
Young rural sportsperson of the year: Clay Harris from Mokauiti, King Country – shearing sports
Outstanding contribution to NZ rural sports: Nigel Armstrong of Christchurch – harness racing. Bronwyn Troon of Taihape – gumboot throwing. Erana Stevens-Tulip of Te Kuiti – shearing. Lifetime Legacy Award: Pat Hellier, from Kamo but living in Papamoa – Highland Games. Wayne Newdick from Taumarunui – fencing
The Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for outstanding sportsperson from a rural background: Zoe Hobbs, Ngāruahine, the first woman in Oceania to run a sub-11 seconds for the 100 metres, was born and raised in Stratford and New Plymouth.