Ron Cain of Otago, who has an outstanding record of 66 years involvement in the sport was honoured with Life membership of Athletics New Zealand in Wellington today (Friday).
Cain, a former President and cross country and road selector of Athletics New Zealand and President and Life Member of Athletics Otago, was blown away when his name was announced.
"It came out of the blue really, you enjoy your sport and if you do get an accolade you put it down to all the other people that have helped you, clubs and such like," said Cain.
Cain said that two of his competitive highlights were at the New Zealand cross country championships.
"In 1955 I was second in Timaru and we (Otago) won the teams race, and I was captain for the three years running that we won three national teams titles."
Cain said his administration highlight was being an official at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games.
"That would be anyone's highlight, being a major official at that where the athletics was very well run," he added.
