A year after his heroics in Paris, Kerr added the world title in Tokyo and the Diamond League crown in Zurich to complete an utterly dominant year.
Established in 1961, the Lonsdale Cup is the NZOC’s highest honour, reserved for the athlete or team whose impact on Olympic or Commonwealth sport is remarkable in a given year.
The cup’s roll of honour includes Peter Snell, John Walker, Valerie Adams, Lisa Carrington and, most recently, Lydia Ko.
Kerr said it was an honour to be acknowledged alongside some of New Zealand’s greatest athletes.
"I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me this year, in particular my family, my Athletics NZ whānau and of course the wider support from Kiwis," Kerr said.
"You just have to look at the past recipients of the Lonsdale Cup to be honoured and humbled. It’s special to follow in the footsteps of so many incredible athletes."
Kerr won the world title in Tokyo with a 2.36m jump, equalling his New Zealand and Oceania records.
He had success in Diamond League with victories at the Rabat and Silesia meetings before securing the Diamond League Final title in Switzerland.
Earlier in the year, Kerr also won silver at the world indoor championships.
He was presented the Lonsdale Cup at AUT Millennium Stadium yesterday by NZOC chief executive Nicki Nicol.
"On behalf of the NZOC, congratulations to Hamish on a superb year of sustained success," Nicol said.
"He now joins a prestigious group of athletes that includes some of New Zealand’s greatest sporting names.
"He reminds us what the Lonsdale Cup stands for: sustained excellence, character and a legacy that inspires the next generation."
Athletics NZ chief executive Cam Mitchell said Kerr was a leading light for the sport in New Zealand.
"Hamish’s impact goes far beyond the heights he clears in competition," Mitchell said.
"He’s growing and shaping the future of athletics through his example, humility and commitment to our sport. This is a well-deserved celebration of Hamish’s contribution on and off the track." — Allied Media
