Hero’s reception for Langman

By Viv Posselt

Andrew Langman, described as someone who has been fundamental to the success, positive culture and adaptability of athletics for several years, has won a Sport Waikato award.

Masson, who boasts a perfect win record after 12 bouts, won the Australian cruiserweight title with a majority decision win over Aussie Mark Flanagan in December 2021.

He is ranked 12th with IBF and is in the top 30 on the respected website Boxrec.

Only one New Zealander, the late Jimmy Thunder – one of many Samoan born Kiwis to make headlines in the ring - has won an IBO title. Thunder won the heavyweight belt in 1994 against unheralded Richard Mason and later defended it against Tony Tubbs, who fought the likes of Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe.

Masson’s opponent Turchi, 29, last fought in June in London when he stopped Englishman Richard Riakporhe, a former British cruiserweight champion, in two rounds. He is ranked 13th by the IBF.

Masson was born and raised in Te Awamutu and began fighting as an amateur in New Zealand before moving to Perth where he made his professional debut five years ago.

He has been based in Brisbane for two years and is preparing for the fight in Las Vegas under trainer Steve Rowlands.

He was presented with the 2022 Community Unsung Hero Award at Waikato Sport and Active Recreation Awards last Thursday. His nomination was for his voluntary contribution with an initiative or organisation over the past year.

Andrew’s involvement in athletics has covered both Cambridge and Te Awamutu and he has also campaigned against family violence.

Last year he became president of the Athletics Waikato Bay of Plenty regional board.

He has been part of the Cambridge Athletics and Harriers Club for 11 seasons, seven of them spent as chairperson of the Cambridge Athletics subcommittee before stepping down last year.

A man who prefers to be out of the spotlight, Andrew said was ‘overwhelmed with gratitude’ to have been nominated for the award, never mind win it. “I am passionate about giving children a sport that can help them with so many aspects of their lives. I don’t care if they want to be an elite sportsperson or just lark around with their friends. As long as they are striving to be better and do their best to improve their individual personal best in an event then I’m excited for them. It is amazing to watch athletes beat their personal best in an event… the massive smile on their face and the excitement they show is what keeps me going.”

Andrew is known for making athletics fun, accessible and family-oriented. His leadership through connections with children’s club nights and events such as the annual Cambridge Pentathlon has won him a host of fans who admire his mentoring across all levels.

He has been involved in the organisation of several key regional events, and through his involvement in the wider Waipā community fronted a campaign against family violence.

In 2018 he entered the Cambridge Club into the

Stage Three almost sold out

Athletics NZ club development programme, a fouryear joint commitment with the national organisation offering workshops, opportunities to interact with clubs around the country, and attracting additional equipment and coaching.

In 2020/21 when work took him to Napier/ Hastings, he volunteered at their athletics club, and in the following season, he supported the Te Awamutu club in arranging an integral interclub event held at the Te Awamutu grounds after it was initially cancelled due to Covid.

Throughout the 2021/22 season Andrew ran club nights to ensure strict adherence to health and safety protocols and enabled neighbouring club members to join Cambridge Athletics at no cost while facilities at their clubs were unavailable.

He is responsible for many of the programmes and philosophies now enjoyed by Cambridge Athletics, and he enthusiastically supports a wide range of local and regional events.

Effusive in his thanks, directed to his family and those supporting his activities, Andrew said this region was privileged in having the number of volunteers it has to help sport in the Waikato.

“If anyone has ideas on how to get more volunteers to step forward, please let me know as I’m keen to get more people into sport administration.”