NZOC Order recipients recognised at General Assembly

Olympians Chantal Brunner (OLY#692) and Ben Sandford (OLY#991) were awarded the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s (NZOC) highest honour - the NZOC Order -  at the recent NZOC General Assembly in Auckland.

The NZOC Order recognises outstanding service to the NZOC and the Olympic Movement, with both recipients embodying these characteristics both during their athletic careers but notably in their post-career work.

NZOC President, Liz Dawson, said Brunner was thoroughly deserving of the NZOC’s highest honour. 

“Chantal’s contribution to sport goes far beyond her achievements in the sporting arena. She has shown commitment to athlete representation, governance and integrity both here in New Zealand and on the world stage,” said Dawson. 

Athletics New Zealand Chair, Cameron Taylor, said the award honours Brunner's outstanding athletics career and ongoing leadership across athletics and the Olympic movement.  

“Chantal has been a fabulous leader and role model for New Zealand athletics, representing us with distinction at multiple Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games,” said Taylor. 

“What sets Chantal apart is how she’s continued to lead and serve the sporting community long after retiring from elite competition. Through her work with the NZOC and international roles with the IOC and World Olympians Association, she’s been a powerful advocate for athlete welfare and voice. Her ongoing impact is one of excellence and integrity, both on and off the track,” he said. 

NZOC President Liz Dawson also congratulated Sanford on his award.

“We’re proud to recognise her with the NZOC Order, an honour that reflects the impact she continues to have on the Olympic Movement,” said Dawson. 

“Ben’s recognition with the NZOC Order is a fitting tribute to the legacy he has built, particularly in the areas of anti-doping, human rights and athlete advocacy.” 

“He has been an advocate for athletes and clean sport throughout his career. His leadership and integrity have helped shape fairer, more transparent systems at all levels of sport.”  

New Zealand Bobsled and Skeleton Association President, Ross Dominikovich, said Sandford’s award was well deserved, noting his impressive portfolio of athletic performances along with a legacy of leadership and contribution.  

“It is rare to say an athlete who represented New Zealand at three Winter Olympics, including a top 10 finish, a third place at a World Championships and numerous medals at World Cups to have a better post athletic career than his athletic career. However, that can be said of Ben Sandford,” said Dominikovich.