Piera Hudson wins People's Choice

The Hits People's Choice winner Piera Hudson with The Hits Breakfast Show co-host Adam Green. Photo/Duncan Brown

International skier Piera Hudson took out The Hits People's Choice category at last night's Hawke's Bay Sports Awards.

The alpine skier, who captured the imagination of the skiing world as a youngster growing in Tikokino where parents Fiona and John used to be farmers, narrowly missed selection to this year's Winter Olympics.

The winner was decided by public vote ahead of tonight's awards.

One of those who voted for Hudson said: "I am voting for Piera Hudson. She is a beautiful, strong, and inspiring athlete whom I have a lot of respect for.

"She works harder than any other and keeps a positive attitude which is super important in any sport, especially skiing.

"She is a huge inspiration to all athletes not only in New Zealand but all over the world".

The four contesting the popular category included Hudson, women's rugby icon Krysten Cottrell, Hawks basketball captain Jarrod Kenny and Chiefs and Magpies rugby player Brad Weber.

Adam Green from The Hits Hawke's Bay said it's great to see Hawke's Bay's "huge variety" of sporting achievements celebrated.

"The people's choice is once again an opportunity for the local community to help in recognising the successes of our sporting heroes."