Athletics NZ Celebrates Finalists for 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards

Athletics New Zealand is proud to celebrate the six members of the athletics community named as finalists for the 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards today.

Hamish Kerr – ISPS Handa Sportsman of the Year Finalist

After a remarkable year, including multiple Diamond League victories, a world indoors gold medal, and a 2.36m PB, Hamish’s groundbreaking performances were capped off at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with his gold in the men’s high jump. He became the first New Zealander to win an Olympic gold in the High Jump or any field event. His nomination also makes him eligible for the prestigious Supreme Halberg Award.

Anna Grimaldi – ISPS Handa Para Athlete/Para Team of the Year Finalist

The now three-time Paralympic gold medalist delivered another dazzling performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games, winning gold in the women’s T47 200m and bronze in the T47 100m. Anna won the women’s 200m T47 final in a stunning Oceania record of 24.72 seconds. 

Danielle Aitchison ISPS Handa Para Athlete/Para Team of the Year Finalist

Danielle Aitchison demonstrated her world-class credentials by setting the world record in the 200m T36 at the Kobe 2024 World Para Athletics Championships. In the Women’s 100m T36 she claimed a silver medal in 13.48 – finishing 0.13 behind Chinese Para sprinter Yiting Shi who set a world record in the process.
She backed up the headline-grabbing start to the year with two stellar performances at the Paris Paralympics, securing silver in the 200m T36 and 100m T36.

Will Stedman ISPS Handa Para Athlete/Para Team of the Year Finalist

Will Stedman delivered a breakout performance at the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships, clinching his first global title with a commanding victory in the Men’s 400m T36, setting a national record of 53.36. He also earned silver in the Men’s Long Jump T36.

At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the Christchurch-based athlete further solidified his status as one of the world’s premier Para athletes. Will shaved 0.44 seconds off his personal best to secure silver in the Men’s 400m T36 with a time of 52.92. He narrowly missed a second podium finish in the Men’s Long Jump T36. He also set another national record of 12.35 in the Men’s 100m T36 final, finishing 6th.

Ethan Olivier – Sky Sport Emerging Talent Finalist

Ethan Olivier’s nomination in the Emerging Talent category recognizes his gold medal victory in the triple jump at the World U20 Championships in Lima. As New Zealand’s record holder in the event, Olivier represents the next wave of world-class Kiwi athletes, showcasing extraordinary promise for the future.

James Sandilands – Buddle Findlay Coach of the Year Finalist

James Sandilands has guided Hamish Kerr to a historic gold medal in the men’s high jump at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Sandilands’ exceptional coaching, so early in his career, has been pivotal to Kerr’s rise to the pinnacle of the sport. Sandilands is also leading a wider group of talented track and field athletes, now including Will Stedman.

Athletics NZ Chief Executive Cam Mitchell expressed immense pride in the nominees:

“These nominations are a testament to the incredible year that our athletics community has had. It’s a privilege to see our athletes and coaches recognized at such a prestigious level, and it reinforces the strength and potential of athletics in New Zealand.”

The 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards will be on the 18th of February 2025. You can purchase tickets to the 2025 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards here: