Wairarapa world beaters celebrated

WELL DONE: Masterton's 'best in the world'. (From left) Joel Hintz, 2014 world champion in power lifting; Fa'avae Sefo, 2013 world single saw champion; Bob Francis, IRB award for distinguished service; Zane Hopman, 2014 world champion in Muay Thai kick boxing, and Brett Gibbs, 2014 world champion in power lifting.PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Masterton District Council paid tribute to five of its international success stories in an evening function yesterday.

Certificates of achievement were presented to Joel Hintz (2014 world champion powerlifter); Fa'avae Sefo (2013 World single saw champion); Zane Hopman (2014 Muay Thai world champion kickboxer); Brett Gibbs (2014 world champion powerlifter) and Bob Francis, recently honoured by the International Rugby Board for distinguished service as a referee.

Masterton deputy mayor Graham McClymont said it was "fairly incredible that we have four world champions - and Bob" in a town as small as Masterton.

"I realise with these champions, the huge commitment that you have made to excel in your sport."

He said it takes "the whole community" to get these people where they are today.

"The council is proud to have played its part."

Joel Hintz and Brett Gibbs thanked the council for supporting them, as well as their supporters and sponsors.

"It really means a lot," said Gibbs.

Zane Hopman said to get a letter in the mail describing how people like him are "leaders" was very humbling.

"We're young, there will be plenty more in the future."

Fa'avae Sefo said getting the letter was a great feeling.

"I have been in this sport since 1993.

"It takes a long time to become good at it."

He won his first title in 1999 and liked the feeling.

"I pushed myself to achieve the ultimate goal - it took 14 years."

Bob Francis said it was great to be part of a champions' night.