Dr John Hellemans, of Christchurch, MNZM (Hon) for services to triathlon
Dr John Hellemans was a competitive triathlete from the 1980s until 2018. He was the World Masters Triathlon Champion eight times and represented New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games and at a number of World Championships. He has coached many successful triathletes and fostered New Zealand’s global reputation in the sport. He has been a medical director for Triathlon New Zealand and Athletics New Zealand and a medical officer for sports academies, training centres, and New Zealand triathlon teams. He is a widely published author on sports medicine, altitude training and triathlons. Dr Hellemans is a Life Member of Triathlon New Zealand and established New Zealand’s first Triathlon Academy.