Shotputter Tom Walsh to speak at Te Awamutu's Cornerstone Trust luncheon

Tom Walsh after winning bronze at the World Athletics Championships in Doha in 2019. Photo / Alisha Lovrich / Athletics New Zealand

Next month's Olympics in Tokyo is set to be like no other.

It has been delayed a year, is set amongst a worldwide pandemic and has strict guidelines for athletes.

If you're interested in hearing what it's like to compete under those tough conditions, you should put November 26 in your diary.

Te Awamutu's Cornerstone Trust luncheon this year will feature Olympic shotputter Tom Walsh, 29.

The New Zealand team member is currently in hot form in the Diamond League and is peaking nicely to chase a podium spot in Tokyo.

As of July 7, Tom has won five consecutive competitions and successfully passed the 22m mark in Hungary.

He threw 22.22m in Budapest, topping his previous best of the year and well past his bronze medal winning throw (21.36) at the Rio games in 2016.

His personal best is 22.90m, recorded in Doha in 2019.

Tom's appearance at the Cornerstone Trust luncheon later this year will be a great opportunity to enjoy some 'behind the scenes' stories from this affable athlete.

James McOnie returns home once again to MC the Cornerstone Trust luncheon. Photo / Lewis Gardner-NZME

He will be interviewed by James McOnie, who is returning to the luncheon as MC.

The Crowd Goes Wild host, who hails from Te Awamutu, has been a longtime supporter of the trust and is sure to entertain guests.

This year's event, sponsored by Davies Family Charitable Trust, marks 15 years of the Cornerstone Trust and will include lunch by Red Kitchen and a fundraising auction at Te Awamutu Sports Club.

Tickets ($100) go on sale at the end of September. Inquiries and ticket requests to Cornerstone trustee Jeanette Ballantyne (jeanettte@sgca.co.nz).