2019 Halberg Awards: Shot putter Tom Walsh wins top Halberg award

Timaru shot putter Tom Walsh has won the Supreme award at the 2019 Halbergs, beating out Lisa Carrington and the Black Ferns Sevens. 

Walsh won the Diamond League men's shot put title in Zurich in August, adding to his gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast and the World Indoor Championships in England.

"It's amazing and to win the Supreme award ahead of all those other athletes I guess it speaks volumes for the support team I have behind me," the 26-year-old said.

"Athletics had a great night, with a few awards - it was awesome to be up there flying the athletics flag."

Walsh threw a career-best 22.67 metres in 2018, and now has his sights set on the world record - 23.12 metres, set back in 1990.

The Commonwealth champion said winning the award wasn't part of his plans for the year.

"It's a complete by-product of doing what I want to do - the things I want to do is break world records and win Olympic golds.

"It's completely different, but it's right up there with standing up on the podium, listening to the anthem."

2019 is shaping up to be a big year for Walsh, with preparations for the Tokyo Olympics heating up.

"I'm very happy with how things are tracking - I've got new personal bests in the gym and the throwing circles.

"I'm really happy with where the team and I have got myself, and I think we are on a good platform to really rock it this year."

Full list of winners

Sportsman of the Year - Tom Walsh (athletics)

Sportswoman of the Year - Lisa Carrington (canoeing)

Team of the Year - Black Ferns Sevens

Para Athlete of the Year - Adam Hall (skiing)

Coach of the Year - Gordon Walker (canoeing)

Emerging Talent - Maddison-Lee Wesche (athletics)

Favourite Sporting Moment - Anna Leat (football)

Leadership Award - Dr Farah Palmer (rugby)

Hall of Fame - Beatrice Faumuina (athletics)

Lifetime Achievement Award - Barry Hunt (athletics)

Supreme Winner - Tom Walsh (athletics)

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