Four-time Stawell Gift finalist Sarah Blizzard was named the UC Ginnindera Athletics Club’s Female Champion of the Year.
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Canberra-based Blizzard was recognised on Tuesday night for her outstanding season, edging out teammate and former Olympian Melissa Breen.
A former Ararat local and product of the Stawell Athletics Club, Blizzard said she did not expect the award.
“It was a pretty quiet night, but it was nice. It is good having a night like that to recognise people.
“I was very surprised, and quite shocked to be honest,” she said.
“It was my first year at an ACT club, so I am very honoured and proud to have won.”
Blizzard moved to the nation’s capital to begin studying an Exercise and Sport Science degree at the University of Canberra.
Since moving, she began working with coach and former Olympian Matt Beckenham and has flourished under his guidance.
Blizzard’s season was full of milestone’s, including three personal best times, winning the Ballarat Open 70m and recently making her fourth consecutive Stawell Gift final.
Blizzard said Stawell has had a big influence on her life.
Stawell was where my running career started.
- Sarah Blizzard
“I won my first sash in Stawell.
“Stawell was where my running career started,” she said.
Sarah’s father and President of the Stawell Athletics Club Neal Blizzard said he is “incredibly proud”.
“Sarah has worked very hard to achieve what she has.
“To win that award with people like Mel Breen in her group is great,” he said.
Blizzard said she has a busy off season planned, and intends to return to Stawell for next year’s Gift.
“The Stawell Gift means a lot to me. I would try and win it even if it was worth nothing,” she said.
Blizzard will aim for her fifth consecutive Gift final next season.
