Anne Audain is a fighter.

She had to overcome a childhood disability to become one of New Zealand’s most prominent athletes over a lengthy career marked by milestones passed along the way: a world record, Commonwealth Games gold and silver medals, a multi-Olympian.

In 1982, she ran the entire year in races on both road and track without a loss; she won more road races in the 1980s than any other woman or man to finish with a record of 75 wins from 122 starts and 90 per cent top three finishes.

She’s been honoured by the Queen and by her sport – many times by the latter.

She was also a pioneer. She made a stand against outdated amateurism in 1981 and forced her sport to change its rules.

It has been said of her: “She obviously helped shape the sport as much as it shaped her.”