The Athletics Club of the Hutt Valley, New Zealand
Athletics New Zealand Media Release16th October 2004Jonathan Wyatt athlete of the year for 2004Jonathan Wyatt capped off an outstanding seven days of competition six weeks ago by being named Athletics New Zealand athlete of the year at the annual awards announced in Wellington last evening.Wyatt finished 21st in 2h 17m 45s in the Athens Olympic Games marathon and a week later captured the world mountain running championship title in Italy. It is the first time that Wyatt has taken the prestigious award and headed previous winner Beatrice Faumuina in a close decision for the honours. Wyatt's parents accepted the award on his behalf. Wyatt has continued on competing in Europe and is expected later this month. The distance runner of the year title also went to Wyatt. Faumuina the highest placed New Zealander at the Athens Olympics was named thrower of the year with Nick Willis' bold showing in the 1500m at the Olympics earning him middle distance runner of the year. Simon Poelman who returned to competitive athletics earlier this year to achieve a world age group record in the decathlon gained the masters male award while Margaret Peters who set world sprint records in the 70-74 age group is the masters women winner. Other awards went to Donald MacDonald in the sprints Rebecca Wardle hurdles pole vaulter Melina Hamilton jumps Peter Martin double gold medalist at the Paralympics in Athens athlete with disability and junior athletes of the year Tom Davie in the men and Monique Williams in the women. ENDS Athletics New Zealand Annual Awards Tony Rogers |