Dannevirke target shooter Stephanie McNair, 17, won the Supreme award and Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year. Photo / Supplied
Dannevirke target shooter Stephanie McNair, 17, won the Supreme award and Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year. Photo / Supplied
A Hawke's Bay teenager's sharpshooting talent has taken her to the top at the Norwood New Zealand Rural Sports Awards.
Dannevirke target shooter Stephanie McNair won the Supreme award and the Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year award at the awards night on March 12 at Awapuni Racecourse,Palmerston North.
The 17-year-old said she genuinely thought she didn't have a chance of winning.
"It was such a surprise, I remember reading the write-up about the other two juniors nominated and thinking 'wow these guys are talented'," she said.
McNair said she didn't even realised she was in the running for the supreme award.
Having only started the sport in 2018, McNair's shooting precision has won her many competitions during 2020, competing against some of the top shooters from around New Zealand, including those who have competed at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
McNair has also had several international wins against teams from Great Britain and the US.
The teenager said her accuracy and quick progression in the sport is due to her parents' support and the knowledge they have.
"They are both rifle shooters, so I kind of grew up it."
Tutira farm fencer Tony Bouskill won the Rural Games' speed fencing title for a fifth time. Photo / Supplied
Norwood chief executive Tim Myers, congratulated the winners and finalists, including McNair.
"It's been inspiring to hear the dedication and commitment of our rural athletes to their sport and the standing they have on the international arena, especially our up-and-coming athletes like Stephanie McNair who has been shooting her way through the ranks," Myers said.
There were several other Hawke's Bay successes at the awards and the New Zealand Rural Games held in Palmerston North over the weekend.
Maraekakaho shearer Rowland Smith won the Rural Sportsman of the Year title – for a second time.
Smith has won more than 160 open finals since 2006, including multiple Golden Shears and New Zealand titles.
He also won the 2014 World Championships in Ireland and in March 2020 won the Golden Shears Open title for a seventh time.
Hawke's Bay's biggest win during the Rural Games was that of Tutira farm fencer Tony Bouskill, who on Saturday won the games' speed fencing title for a fifth time.
The 30-year-old is showing no letting up in his pursuit of title wins, which already include national Silver Spades pairs honours with his father, fellow World and multiple Golden Pliers national champion Shane Bouskill.
Rowland Smith was fifth in the games' speed shearing championship.
