Dec 22nd, 09.

Sam Webster is a finalist for the Emerging Talent Award ©Mike McRedmond

The Halberg Awards are recognised as New Zealand's highest awards honouring excellence in sporting achievements.   One winner is selected for each category from across the many sporting disciplines.

In 2004 cycling had its last success at the Halberg's when Sarah Ulmer won Sportswoman of the year and the overall Halberg Award.

While the 2009 finalists for the sportspeople, teams and coaches of the year won't be named until next month, the 16 nominees for the Emerging Talent Award have already been whittled down to four finalists.  

Triple Junior UCI World Champion Sam Webster is up against Aaron Cruden (rugby), Robbie Manson (rowing) and Sam Meech (sailing) to win the title and the $15,000 scholarship from Westpac bank.

The Emerging Talent Award isn't just about past performance, the criteria includes the U21 athlete's potential to be a Halberg sportsperson of the year winner in the future.  

Webster had to give the judges a personal statement regarding:

• The clarity of his goal.
• His strength of purpose.
• What he was prepared to give up in pursuit of his dream.
• How he has responded to adversity.
• How he has performed under pressure.

To be nominated and selected as one of four finalists is an honour in itself.

Cycling nominations for the Halberg Awards

Sportsman of the Year

• Julian Dean  
• Greg Henderson  
• Hayden Roulston  
• Tom Scully 
• Jesse Sergent  

Sportswoman of the Year

• Catherine Cheatley   
• Alison Shanks 
• Paula Tesoriero   
• Sarah Walker 

Westpac Sports Team of the Year

• Men's Madison
• Men's Team Pursuit  
• Women's Team Pursuit  

Coach of the Year

• Tim Carswell  
• Dayle Cheatley  
• Craig Palmer  

The 2009 Westpac Halberg Awards will be held on Thursday 4th February at SkyCity, Auckland