Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko has won the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s Lonsdale Cup for her achievements in 2024.The Lonsdale Cup is the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s most prestigious honour and is awarded annually to the athlete or team that has made the most outstanding contribution to an Olympic or Commonwealth Sport.
It is the second time Ko has been awarded the Cup.She was presented the Lonsdale Cup by NZOC Board Member Glen Sowry today in Queenstown.Ko has been recognised off the back of her winning the Olympic gold medal in Paris.“I’m very grateful to receive the Lonsdale Cup for 2024,” said Ko.
“Competing in the Olympic Games has been one of the biggest joys and one of the most honourable moments of my career, and my life.” In Paris on the final day of competition, Ko built a five-shot lead on the back nine at Le Golf National, and then had to hang on until the very end. Her lead down to one, Ko made a 7-foot birdie putt for a 1-under 71 and a two-shot victory.
Her gold medal win saw her gain the required points for LPGA Hall of Fame status, and she was inducted into the elite club after her medal ceremony.Ko made her Olympic debut in Rio where she won silver and at the next Games in Tokyo she claimed the bronze medal.The Lonsdale Cup was first awarded in 1961, with Sir Murray Halberg the inaugural recipient.
Other past winners of the Cup include Dame Valerie Adams, Dame Lisa Carrington, Sir John Walker, Barbara Kendall and Sir Peter Snell.
