Eight-time Olympic champion Lisa Carrington has been awarded the Outstanding Sporting Career prize at the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Awards.
The New Zealander attended the ceremony in Cascais, Portugal where she received the award from ANOC President Robin Mitchell and ANOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Gaby Ahrens.
More than 600 people from the Olympic Movement, including IOC President Thomas Bach, attended the event as well as representatives from 206 National Olympic Committees.
The award recognises Carrington’s glittering career to date having achieved eight golds and one bronze across four Olympic Games.
Carrington captured three of her Olympic golds at Paris 2024 courtesy of her success in the women’s kayak single 500m, women’s kayak double 500m and women’s kayak four 500m.
The 35-year-old’s golden hat-trick in Paris meant she equaled the record title tally of Germany’s Birgit Fischer which had stood for 20 years.
She is also one of the most successful Olympic female athletes of all time with gymnast Larisa Latynina and swimmer Katie Ledecky both winning one more gold.
“I’m honoured to be recognised by ANOC and to receive this award,” said Carrington.
“From winning my first gold in London back in 2012, through to the success this year in Paris, it’s been an opportunity for me to reflect on the journey to get to this point.
“I’m so lucky to do what I do – sport is such a privilege.
“Thank you to ANOC for allowing people like me, to live out their dreams.”
When asked what her secret was to her longevity, Carrington said: “I think it’s all about getting a little bit better every day and it’s about looking after yourself, looking after your body.
“It’s also about loving what you do.
“I love sport, I love the Olympics and having that allows me to keep having the motivation to keep turning up.”
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International Canoe Federation President Mr Thomas Konietzko expressed his delight at Carrington's award.
“Lisa is a fantastic ambassador of our sport. Her dedication and commitment to being the best is an inspiration for paddlers in New Zealand and around the world,” Mr Konietzko said.
“We are pleased that one of the greats of our sport has won such a prestigious award.
“Our sport has a huge number of participants across the world and athletes like Lisa help us to make it more global.”
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