Congratulations to Phoebe Laker, who has been named the winner of the ODT.co.nz Sporting Moment of the Year award at the 2026 Cooke Howlison Toyota Otago Sports Awards.

Determined by public vote, the award celebrates the moments that captured the hearts of Otago over the past year. More than 600 votes were cast across six outstanding finalists.

Phoebe's achievement of becoming the youngest New Zealand woman to run 400 metres in under 54 seconds earned the most support of voters and secured her the award.

Congratulations to Phoebe and all finalists, whose performances created unforgettable sporting moments and inspired communities across Otago. And thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and celebrate the people and moments that make sport so special in our region.