The Herald's ability to first recognise New Zealand's rising sporting talent was again underlined at last year's Olympic Games.
Among the New Zealand team in London were Valerie Adams, Peter Burling, Gareth Kean, Emma Twigg, Teneale Hatton, Dan Slater, Hayley Palmer, hockey players Gemma Flynn, Ryan Archibald, Simon Child, Hugo Inglis and soccer players Hayley Moorwood, Rosie White and Annalie Longo - who had all been recognised by the Herald.
They, along with Paralympian star Sophie Pascoe, were named as NZ Herald Future Stars or recognised by its predecessor the NZ Herald's Junior Sports Awards.
Among others recognised in more recent years have been the world's leading amateur golfer Lydia Ko, shot put star Jacko Gill, boxing professional Joseph Parker, recently retired professional cyclist Julian Dean, New Zealand Breakers swingman Tom Abercrombie and top jockey James McDonald.
Nominations are now open for the 2012 Future Stars of Sport Awards.