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Olympic gold medallist Hamish Kerr has been awarded the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s (NZOC) Lonsdale Cup for 2025 after a season that delivered the High Jump World Championship title in Tokyo and the Diamond League crown in Zürich.
Established in 1961, the Lonsdale Cup is the NZOC’s highest honour, reserved for the athlete or team whose impact on Olympic or Commonwealth sport is remarkable in a given year.
It recognises excellence on the field of play and the values shown beyond it: leadership, integrity and service to the sporting whānau.
The Cup’s roll of honour includes Sir Peter Snell, Sir John Walker, Dame Valerie Adams, Dame Lisa Carrington and most recently, Dame Lydia Ko.
In 2025 Hamish Kerr produced a memorable year in men’s High Jump, winning the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with a world‑leading 2.36m jump, equally his New Zealand and Oceania record.
He had success in Diamond League events in 2025 with victories at the Rabat and Silesia meets before securing the Diamond League Final title in Zürich. Earlier in the year, Kerr also won silver at the World Indoor Championships.
He was presented the Lonsdale Cup at AUT Millenium Stadium by NZOC CEO, Nicki Nicol.
“On behalf of the NZOC, congratulations to Hamish on a superb year of sustained success,” said Nicol.
“He now joins a prestigious group of athletes that includes some of New Zealand’s greatest sporting names. He reminds us what the Cup stands for: sustained excellence, character and a legacy that inspires the next generation.
“It’s been truly inspirational to follow your achievements in 2025 and to be both a World Champion and Diamond League champion is something to be very proud of,” she said.
Kerr said it was an honour to be acknowledged alongside some of New Zealand’s greatest sportspeople.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me this year, in particular my family, my Athletics NZ whānau and of course the wider support from Kiwis too," said Kerr.
“You just have to look at the past recipients of the Lonsdale Cup to be honoured and humbled, it’s special to follow in the footsteps of so many incredible athletes,” he said.
Athletics NZ CEO Cam Mitchell said Kerr was a leading light for the sport in New Zealand.
"Hamish’s impact goes far beyond the heights he clears in competition, he’s growing and shaping the future of athletics through his example, humility and commitment to our sport. This is a well-deserved celebration of Hamish’s contribution on and off the track."