Paracyclist Nicole Murray has picked up a global award for 2022 season. Photo: SWpix
New Zealand Paralympian Nicole Murray has been named as the world's Best Female Summer Para Athlete on the back of an incredible 2022 season.
The Para Sport Award, presented to Murray in a ceremony in Bahrain, tops a strong couple of years for the 30-year-old cycling star.
Murray, who lives in Otorohanga in the Waikato, stormed to global success in 2022 seizing two world titles on the track, as well as three other World Championships medals, two of which were earned on the road.
"Competing on the international stage can be a whirlwind, so I appreciate this chance to pause, reflect on the past season, and celebrate my achievements," Murray said.
"I'm incredibly grateful for all the people who have come along with me on my journey as an athlete - I could not have got to this point in my career alone.
"How cool to be acknowledged alongside fellow Kiwi Rebecca Foulsham for the amazing work she does as a volunteer. I can't wait for the next round in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games."
Para cyclist Nicole Murray receiving her world's Best Female Summer Para Athlete award from Highness Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalfia. Photo: IPC
Murray's coach Damian Wiseman felt Murray's the accolade is well deserved for his athlete who with five World Championships medals in 2022, the most of any female C5 athlete and the only C5 woman to win more than one world title across road and track.
"Simply put, she has proven herself the most consistent and successful C5 female athlete in 2022. It really shows how much her hard work and dedication has elevated her performances within the women's C5 field. She is now the athlete to beat."
The results placed Murray second in road and number one in Track globally for C5 women. She has since followed this up by blitzing to another World Championship title in 2023.
Paralympics New Zealand chief executive officer Greg Warnecke said Murray was a "phenomenally talented athlete, and thoroughly deserving of this global award".
"From a wider perspective, I am thrilled about the impact this will have. The power of performances like Nicole's transform lives. They inspire people to get involved in Para sport, whether that's as a fan, as a volunteer, as a commercial partner, or as a competitor.
"Nicole's success is indicative of the strength of Para sporting talent in New Zealand."
-RNZ