News
Press Release: Athletics Shines at the Canterbury Sport Awards
Athletics delivered a standout performance at the Canterbury Sport Awards on Friday 15 May 2026, with three major honours highlighting the code’s strength across the region. Hamish Kerr, James Sandilands and William Stedman were each recognised for their outstanding achievements, reinforcing the depth of talent and excellence within Canterbury athletics. Hamish won the High Performance Sportsperson of the Year Award. William won the Para-Athlete of the Year Award and James won the High Performance Coach of the Year Award
The results capped off a strong showing for athletics across the awards, with five finalists in total recognised during the lead-up to the event. Turning those nominations into three wins made athletics the best performing sport this year, a reflection of the high level of performance, coaching and athlete development currently being achieved across the code.
“To have five finalists and to see three of them recognised as winners is an outstanding result for athletics in Canterbury,” said Ian Thomas, General Manager. “The success of Hamish, James and William is a testament not only to their individual dedication and achievement, but also to the strength of the wider athletics community that continues to foster excellence at every level. Each of them serves as an outstanding role model for the next generation of athletes coming through our sport.”
These honours are a tribute not only to the individual success of Kerr, Sandilands and Stedman, but also to the wider athletics community that continues to support high performance and excellence in Canterbury. Their achievements provide further inspiration for athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers throughout the region.
With five finalists and three winners, athletics can look back on the 2026 Canterbury Sport Awards with pride and confidence as momentum continues to build for another successful year ahead.
SHARE | 
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
