Namibian professional cyclist Vera Looser achieved a remarkable double triumph at the prestigious Namibia Annual Sports Awards held at the Windhoek Country Club on Saturday.
Her outstanding contributions to sport were recognised as she was honoured with the titles of ‘Sport Star of the Year,’ and ‘Sportswoman of the Year’.
The first time Looser won the Sportswoman of the Year award was in 2014, and she achieved a similar double victory last year.
Expressing her excitement and gratitude for the accolades, Looser acknowledged the significance of the recognition.
“It’s been a phenomenal year of cycling,” she shared. “Competing in the Olympic Games in Paris, France, which marked my third Olympic participation, was a dream come true. I am overwhelmed and extremely grateful, not only for me but for the whole cycling family in Namibia. I have big goals for next year, but I am not letting them out just yet,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Sportsman of the Year award was clinched by hunting rifle shooter Stephanus Marais.
He expressed his appreciation for the recognition.
“I am very grateful and humble to receive the award. It’s an absolute honour to be noticed by the sports body, and by the government. At this stage, it still hasn’t sunk in, but I am hopeful that others can see that it is possible to achieve anything when you put your mind to it. The sky is no longer the limit,” he said.
The president of the Namibia Cycling Federation, Axiel Theissen, was overjoyed as the federation clinched the Sports Development Programme of the Year award. Theissen shared that the recognition was even more meaningful because of the strong sense of unity within the cycling community.
“To the whole cycling federation, this one is for you. We are a big family, and this award reflects our collective effort,” Theissen said.
Additionally, Namibian footballer Deon Hotto was awarded the Professional Athlete of the Year in Diaspora. Accepting the award on his behalf, sports commentator Isack Hamata highlighted Hotto’s unwavering dedication.
“Those who know Hotto are aware of his commitment and versatility. There’s even a joke that he has played every position on the field – he’s even played behind the goalkeeper. He does everything possible to ensure Namibia remains on the football map,” he said.
Other winners include:
Junior Sportsman of the Year: Magano Naseb
Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Delsia van Vuuren
Junior Sportswoman of the Year with Disability: Namasiku van der Linden
Junior Sportsman of the Year with Disability: A tie between Zekka Chikumba, David Isack and Amavila Shapumba
Sportsman of the Year with Disability: Chris Kinda
Sportswoman of the Year with Disability: Lahja Ishitile
Sports Team of the Year: Open Rifle Shooting Team
Coach of the Year: Letu Hamhola
Referee of the Year: Twanyanyukwa Antsino
Sports Development Programme of the Year: Namibia Cycling Federation – RMB Kids on Bike Programme
Federation of the Year: Cricket Namibia
People’s Choice Sports Star of the Year: Tangi Muludu (Twaindila Media)
Community Inspiration Award: Aroab Football Academy
Professional Athlete of the Year in Diaspora: Deon Hotto
Chairpersons Award of Excellence: Lahja Ishitile
Sports Journalist of the Year (Broadcasting): Michael Ditu (NBC)
Sports Journalist of the Year (Print): Limba Mupetami (New Era)
Sports Journalist of the Year (Digital): Brian Munango (Namibia Media Holdings)
The Sports Commission inducted Harry Simon, Frank Fredericks, and Agnes Samaria into the Walk of Fame, a new initiative that the Commission started to honour Namibia’s sporting icons.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na