Welcome to the official announcement of the first ever Tasmanian Endurance Awards, voted by you, the endurance reader, athlete and fan. There’s no red carpet, pre event entertainment or symbolic trophy or medal, just the satisfaction that the winners had been chosen and recognised by their sports community for their efforts in 2011.
The first title to be handed out is the Tasmanian Endurance Young Athlete of the Year for 2011. There have been some standout performances from the states young athletes, with the act of naming the shortlist a difficult task. After 1 month of voting the result has come down to the wire………..
| 1st – James Hodge -TRIATHLON- Olympic Distance Age Group World Champion 34.2% of votes |
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It was a breakthough year for the popular triathlete in 2011. He was unbeaten in the national age group series and continued this form by winning the World Age Group Title in Beijing. There is no doubt Hodge has raw talent to burn, and is fast becoming known for having the engine and physicality to take him a long way in the future. Hodge also possess a great attitude, and one of the most positive and respectful guys in the sport. CONGRATULATIONS JAMES!!!! The tassie endurance community rate you #1.
| 2nd – Jake Birtwhistle -ATHLETICS- Multiple Australian Titles and State Records 31.6% of votes |
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The quietly spoken Launcseton runner has rewritten the record books this year breaking state records in U18 & U17 - 5000m / U17 – 1500. Jake also has been training hard to improve his swimming and cycling to give himself every opportunity to choose between athletics and triathlon. Potential future Olympian.
| 3rd – Tom Goddard -MTB- Top 10 finish MTBO Junior World Championships 16.5% of votes |
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The standout performer of the Australian team at the World MTB Orienteering Championships in Italy. One of the states bright future stars of Cross Country Mountain Biking.
| Luke Ockerby – CYCLING – Launceston Classic Winner 6.3% of votes |
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Winner the presigious Launceston Cycling Classic in wet and dangerous conditions, Ockerby had the biggest win of his young cycling career. Rewarded after a strong domestic season, by joining Budget Forklifts NRS team for 2012.
| Georgia Baker -CYCLING- Teams Pursuit Junior World Champion 5.1% of votes |
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The junior team pursuit World Champion should have ranked higher based on acheivement in 2011. Also picked up a silver medal in the scratch race at the same World Juniors in Russia. Future Olympian, you betcha!
Stay tuned in the following days as the winners will be announced for the International Performer, Domestic Performer and Endurance Event of the year.
