THIRD time’s a charm for Sue Walter, as she claimed her third Sportswoman of the Year award at the Hamilton branch’s annual Sportswoman Association of Australia awards on Monday night.

Walter once again impressed on the tennis court, claiming the top award ahead of runner-up, Robyn Thomassen.

The three-time winner said she didn’t expect to receive any awards on the night.

“It was totally unexpected, I didn’t think I would win because we didn’t do any travel,” she said.

“It wasn’t very good, three years of COVID and we couldn’t do much, so I just tried to keep fit and also played a bit of golf.

“I am a bit reluctant to come to these sorts of things, but Helen Hadden had a stern word to me and told me I had to come.

“It is nice to be recognised though.”

Despite the COVID frustration, Walter said it gave her a chance to freshen up and work on her fitness.

“You can always improve, even things like court craft,” she said.

“You learn to lose your head a bit more.

“The body is good, I have had two shoulder operations but other than that, I am pretty sound.

“I am playing pennant in Horsham at the moment, so I am enjoying that.”

The strengths have remained the same in Walter’s game over time, with serving and volleying the foundations of her game.

“Thanks to my husband, John, for his support and the kids are always interested in how I go,” Walter said.

The local tennis player won her first Sportswoman of the Year award in 2005, before doubling up in 2018 and claiming her third this year.

Thomassen received the runner-up award and just like Walter, went into the night without any expectations.

“It was totally unexpected, these days the sportswomen from Hamilton travel all over the world, but I guess with COVID, there wasn’t as much on,” she said.

“It is a real honour, for someone my age to be runner-up, it is very humbling.

“To have my husband’s support also means a lot.”

Bowls continues to test Thomassen’s ability and push the Grangeburn Bowling Club member to new heights.

Recently competing in Queensland, Thomassen said the constant challenge of trying to master the game kept her coming back and playing.

“One day you can come and play and be brilliant and the next day you wonder why you bother turning up.” She said.

“To make it to the Victorian Championships, you have to win at least eight or nine games in a row.

“Everyone is improving all the time, so you have to be on your toes.”