For Ririnui, the Blue is the third consecutive award bestowed on the former Tauranga Girls' College student who is also a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship holder.
The New Zealand 100m sprint and long jump champion is thrilled to have been awarded a Blue in each of her three years studying for a Bachelor of Communication Studies at the University of Waikato.
"It is just really nice to be recognised by other people and organisations rather than getting a medal for winning a race," Ririnui said.
"It shows institutions are also proud of you and it is nice to be rewarded. It is really cool to be recognised and when I first started university it was my goal to win a Blue each year so I am really, really stoked to have achieved that."
Ririnui is deciding what she will do next year but is likely to go back to university to do honours, aided by her Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship that covers course fees. And she also has a major sporting goal:
"The Commonwealth Games are a huge priority and my big goal. Hopefully I will also travel to Europe next year to get some experience and building up to the Commonwealth Games."The University of Waikato Blues will awarded at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts from 6.30pm on October 4. Arts patron and sponsor Sir James Wallace, who has artworks on display in the venue, will be attending the evening.
