The numerous international successes of Cambridge sportsman Doug Mienie (right) were recognised this month when Waipa Mayor Jim Mylchreest (left) revealed a new Walk of Fame star on Duke St.
The road to success hasn’t stopped for a world-champion sportsman whose plaque on the Walk of Fame was unveiled on December 11.
Long-time Cambridge local and three-time New Zealand representative Doug Mienie was commended for his years of success in sport with the installation of a bronze star plaque on Duke St, near Anzac St.
But it’s just another rung on the success ladder for Doug, who plans to attend the powerlifting world champs in South Africa in 2020.
“I’ll be 80 then! So there’s some new records to be broken,” laughed Doug, who has set numerous international powerlifting records in recent years, in addition to his successful sports career spanning back to the 1980s.
Back then he was among the world’s best in bodybuilding, representing New Zealand five times and making the top ten in the world, as well as earning four New Zealand titles in the sport.
As a master black-belt Doug has also represented the country in Judo three times, as well as placing second in freestyle wrestling. In addition, he won two gold medals for swimming at the 2009 Masters Games.
Waipa Mayor Jim Mylchreest described Doug’s success as “just fantastic”, “especially in multiple sports too which is really great,” he said. “It’s just fantastic for the town to have sports people of this calibre.”
Doug, who still competes and trains others in powerlifting, said it was very humbling to receive the plaque. “I’m just very pleased and thankful to Council for the acknowledgement,” he said.
The latest plaque reveal was the first of five plaques being added to Cambridge streets this week. Also on the cards were rowers Eric Murray and Hamish Bond, BMX rider Sarah Walker and squash champion Joelle King, joining 35 other plaques recognising Cambridge’s internationally lauded sports stars.
