This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.
Port Elizabeth's cycling golden girl Anriette Schoeman won the 5th annual Spar/Sport Elizabeth Homegrown Hero award at a glittering black tie banquet at the Radisson Blu hotel on Friday night. Schoeman won the top award presented by Sport Elizabeth every year for her unprecedented record 7th Argus win last year - at the age of 35. A delighted Schoeman said she was truly humbled by the award and that it was the one she had always wanted to win. "I think I can now retire," she beamed.
Young kick boxing world champion Claudia Telford took home the reader's choice award, as voted for by Sport Elizabeth's readers. A new award this year was the Mayor's award in recognition of the achievements of a bright, up and coming young sports star. Executive Mayor Benson Fihla was on hand to personally present this award to the EP and Southern Kings rugby sensation Sergeal Petersen.
EP and Southern Kings caretaker coach Robbi Kempson was the guest speaker on the night. He gave an inspirational address in which he also paid tribute to the twelve finalists. He said the reality was that there would always be politics in sport and that it was testament to their focus and commitment that the twelve finalists had been able to put off-field distractions behind them and achieve at the highest level.
The twelve finalists were Luke Watson and Sergeal Petersen for rugby, Davy Jacobs, Aya Gqamane and Andrew Birch for cricket, Theo Pieterse - rugby development, Anriette Schoeman - cycling, Michael Stephen - motor racing, Charlize van Zyl - chess, David Konzani - golf, Claudia Telford - martial arts and Kevin Paul for swimming.
Picture: Anriette Schoeman with Algoa fm's Neil Bisseker
