Rower Natalie Wilson was the big winner at the Cromwell Sports Person of the Year Awards.
Wilson (38), who rows for the Cromwell Rowing Club, took home the supreme award, along with the Leyser Family Cup for senior sportsperson of the year.
"That was unexpected and I was really thrilled and honoured to be awarded that," Wilson said.
At the South Island Masters Championships Wilson won eight gold medals, before claiming a gold, a silver and a bronze at the New Zealand Masters Championships.
The award also takes into account effort in the sport, and Wilson plays a big role as her club’s secretary, helps to expand its indoor rowing competition and coaches when she is able.
She is now turning her attention to the World Masters Games next year. While the Games are being held in and around Auckland, the rowing will take place at Lake Karipiro.
"We’re into our training again now. It’s great; I get to train with some really great athletes and sportspeople. There’s a good team of us training hard for the Games, so we all just keep each other going."
Meanwhile, entries for the Otago Championships opened today and will close on November 28. The event is to be held at Lake Ruataniwha, near Twizel, on December 10 and 11.
