Finalists have been named for the Central Otago Sports Awards with our olympic medallists in the running for the titles.

Sport Central community sport advisor Kelvin Carruthers said in a covid-19 ravaged sporting year the standard of nominations and finalists continues to improve.

"In an Olympic year there are some obvious standouts with Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Nico Porteous both finalists in the Senior, Racers Edge Sportsman, and Gary Anderson Sound Sportswoman of the Year."

Nico is joined by Tairn Collins, Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air and Campbell Wright, Biathlon, along with Finn Butcher, Canoe Slalom.

Zoi’s running mates are Simone Maier, Multi-Sport and Adventure Racing, with raising star Jess Hotter, Freeride skier also making the final list.

Junior Sportswomen finalists are Ruby Andrews, Free Ski Slopestyle and Big Air, Olivia Key, Alpine Skiing and Rowing, Pipi Horan, Rowing. 

Junior Sportsman includes three impressive young men; Gustav Legnavsky, Free Ski Halfpipe, Marley King Smith, Rowing and Campbell Melville Ives, Snowboarding.

The spirit awards junior category includes Toby Mills, Neve Spooner and Lucas Haas as finalists. The senior spirit awards feature Megan Jeffery, Ben Richards and Camille Gullick.

A new category has been added this year with a para athlete or team being recognised, Adam Hall, Alpine Ski Racing and Pam Walker, Lawn Bowls are the finalists.

The team of the year profiles two exceptional rowing quads both from Whakatipu Rowing club and Wakatipu High School. The under 16 Boys Coxed Quad Sculls is up against the under 17 Girls Coxed Quad Sculls. 

Coach of the Year has four phenomenal coaches in the running; Tommy Pyatt, Freeski Halfpipe, Sean Thompson Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air plus John Morrison, Rowing, as well as Ben Adams, Para Alpine Ski. 

The supreme award the Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy is selected from the winners of the senior and junior, para and team’s categories.

The awards will be held at the Lake Wanaka Centre, 18 May at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased online from the Sport Otago website or through this link Southern Lakes Motors Central Otago Sports Awards (iticket.co.nz)

The Central App will bring you news of the award winners and the gala evening highlight's later on this month.