Photo: PHOTOSPORT
In a year in which international sport was severely disrupted due to Covid-19, the Olympic 49er Champions retained their World Championship title.
Just two months after winning the title in Auckland, Burling and Tuke showed their pedigree in Melbourne in February, winning seven of the 13 races to finish 28-points ahead of their nearest rivals and claim a staggering sixth World Championship title.
NZOC CEO Kereyn Smith says Burling and Tuke are deserved winners of the Lonsdale Cup. Winning six world titles is an amazing feat. A huge amount of dedication, skill and hard-work is required for every campaign and these athletes have proven time and time again that they are a cut above the rest.
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Olympic sailors Peter Burling, left, and Blair Tuke pose with the trophy after being presented with the Lonsdale Cup on Tuesday.
Men’s 49er sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have been awarded the Lonsdale Cup for 2020, following a dominant performance to retain their world championship title. The Lonsdale Cup is the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s most prestigious award and is presented annually by the NZOC to the athlete or team that has made the most outstanding contribution to an Olympic or Commonwealth Sport. It was first awarded in 1961, with Sir Murray Halberg the inaugural recipient. Since then, it has been won by a host of inspirational New Zealanders who have represented the country with pride and passion. Past winners include Dame Valerie Adams, Lisa Carrington, Sir John Walker, Barbara Kendall, and Sir Peter Snell.