Two of the club’s top masters’ athletes were among the winners at the recently held NSW Masters Awards. Being one of the final presentations to be held, the Masters are judged on calendar year and it is great to see a number of our members nominated for the major awards. John Lamb and Gianna Mogentale were nominated in the sprints and June Lowe in Throws, along with Mary Thomas.
Mary added the final award to her collection being named NSW Masters Thrower of the Year, giving her all major awards - what a season she has had and also for last calendar year where she collected this award and the World Thrower of the Year. As Mary said in the local paper last week, when people ask her why she keeps going, she replies “because I love the sport”. I don’t think you could get a better answer than that, and a reminder to all people out there that age means nothing if you have the determination and desire. Well done Mary, you have capped off a great season and year.
Gianna would be the first to say that she has had an upside down year and season, due to ill health of her mum and the passing of her dad, but this “pocket rocket” can still show the world that she has the guts, determination and drive to maintain her strong position in rankings. There are very few athletes around especially in masters’ athletics who can maintain their position in events from 60m right through to 800m with only limited training. Gianna teamed with NSW Team mates Phillipa Wright, Jackie Bezuidenout and Kylie Strong to take out the award for the Multi Events/Relay team of the Year. Well done Gianna , an award that all four deserve for a very strong performance yet again.