Aussie runner-up for Athlete of the Year

Triathlete Kate Rowe has been named runner-up in the Sports Out Loud Athlete of the Year competition, a considerable achievement for the only entrant to come from outside of North America.

Rowe was nominated for her years of dedication as a sportswoman and the work she has done coordinating and promoting the Gay Games. She was runner-up to Jeff Kagan, founder of the New York City Gay Hockey Association.

Rowe said she was surprised she even got a mention in the awards, but is glad of the publicity the awards will bring to gay sport and the Gay Games.

I never expected to win and I was surprised to even get runner-up, so I’m pleased, Rowe said.

It was never about me, I’m all about the bigger picture and all I care about is that the guy who won it and the organisation he represents have decided to get involved with the Gay Games. So it’s a win-win situation as long as the Gay Games is getting some publicity.

To read about Jeff Kagan and his work promoting gay hockey, head to www.sportsoutloud.com.