Masters competitor named Southland Athlete of the Year
Impressive master’s athlete Gail Kirkman was the big winner at Athletic Southland’s inaugural Annual Achievement Awards.
Impressive masters athlete Gail Kirkman was the big winner at Athletics Southland’s inaugural Annual Achievement Awards on Friday night.
The awards have been introduced to give recognition to top performances with this year’s honours covering the 12 months up to March 2024.
The awards evening was held on Friday night with Olympic Games javelin thrower Tori Peeters the special guest.
Kirkman had a big 2023-2024 season winning New Zealand masters titles in the women’s 70-year age group in the 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m, and 200m hurdles events.
She also set a New Zealand age group record in the high jump and a championship record in the 800m.
As a result, Kirkman claimed the Baker Trophy for Sprint Athlete of the Year on Friday night and Masters Athlete of the Year honour.
Kirkman also picked up the top award when she was named Southland Athlete of the Year.
Athletics Southand - 2023-2024 Award Winners
Tudor Knight Trophy for Combined Event Athlete of the Year: Warren Green
Master’s Athlete of the Year: Gail Kirkman
Lesley Cantwell Memorial Cup for Southland Distance Athlete of the Year: Dwight Grieve
Brian McEwan Memorial Trophy for Official of the Year: Sarah Wiegersma
Smith & Knight Coaches Cup for Coach of the Year: Ricky Gutsell
Rodney Hogg Memorial Cup for Throws Athlete of the Year: Lester Laughton
Baker Trophy for Sprint Athlete of the Year: Gail Kirkman
Swanson Trophy for Jumps Athlete of the Year: Ollie Davis
Jonty Carran Memorial Trophy for 100% Dedication and Most Improved Points at Junior Meets: Ashlee Clay
Dalgety Travel Trophy for Southland Athlete of the Year: Gail Kirkman