Athletics: Retired Olympian's career honoured

Sarah Cowley, of Rotorua, was recognised for her top efforts as an Olympian during the New Zealand Track and Field Championships in Wellington at the weekend.

Athletics New Zealand have recognised the achievements of Rotorua Olympian Sarah Cowley during a presentation in Wellington.

Cowley represented New Zealand at the 2012 London Olympics in the heptathlon event, finishing 26th, and attended two Commonwealth Games, in 2006 (heptathlon) and 2014 (high jump).

She retired from international competition last December and was presented with a plaque on Sunday during the New Zealand Track and Field Championships in Wellington.

Athletics New Zealand athlete performance support manager Michelle Wood said they wanted to recognise Cowley's achievements during the presentation.

"What we try and do, and we did it a couple of years ago for Rebecca Wardell, is recognise our retired Olympians."

The award was presented before the shot put event on Sunday in front of a good crowd at Newtown Park.

Wood said alongside her top achievements for New Zealand, Cowley was a great role model for younger athletes.

Her final international competition was the Continental Cup in Morocco last September where she was selected in the Asia Pacific team.

She ranks second on the New Zealand all-time lists in the high jump (1.91m) and heptathlon (6135 points).