Wānaka athletes dominate the list of finalists for the 2026 Central Otago Sports Awards that was announced last week.
Snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott is the headline name on the list of finalists following her outstanding performances at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, where she took silver medals in both the Big Air and Slopestyle Events.
Joining Sadowski-Synnott in the nominees for sportswoman of the year is Alice Robinson, an alpine ski racer from Queenstown that has recorded World Cup podiums in Giant Slalom and Super-G, while finishing eighth in Giant Slalom and Super-G at the Winter Olympics.
Adam Hall is nominated for para athlete of the year for his performance at the Winter Paralympics.
Hall took the silver medal in the men’s slalom standing at Milano Cortina, with his sixth Paralympic medal tying him as New Zealand’s most decorated winter Paralympian.
The Upper Clutha Rams rugby team lead the nominations in the team of the year category.
The Rams have lost just three of the 43 games they have played over the past three seasons, and recently retained the White Horse Cup with a dominant 31-7 victory over Maniototo.
Sport Central sport and active recreation adviser Jo Knight said it had been another incredible year for Central Otago sport.
"Central Otago just seems to raise the bar every year.
"The standard of nominations made it incredibly difficult for our judging panel to select finalists, let alone winners.
"It shows just how much talent and commitment there is across the region and it’s so inspiring to see everyone being recognised for what they bring to our sporting community," Knight said.
The winners will be announced at an awards night, organised by Sport Central and held at the Lake Wānaka Centre, on Thursday, May 7.
In addition to awards for individuals, teams, coaches and officials, the John Fitzharris Trophy for Services to Sport will also be presented on the night, alongside the induction of two sporting figures into the Central Lakes Trust Hall of Fame.
