Walsh gets life status

World indoor shot put champion Tom Walsh has been made a life member of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletics Club.

The 25-year-old was unanimously voted in at the annual general meeting on Thursday night. Walsh has been part of the club since he was five and these days is a star on the world stage.

Wayne Doyle, who nominated Walsh, said his special service to the club was already huge. ‘‘And he is just getting started.’’

Among his exploits listed were his bronze Olympic medal in Rio as well as winning the world indoor championships last year. Walsh also has an Commonwealth Games silver medal and numerous New Zealand and Oceania records.

Doyle also noted he spends time with young athletes when he is back in Timaru and was a great role model. Walsh the youngest life member the athletics club has ever had but that was seen a positive by others speaking in favour of the nomination.