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The honor will be presented at the group's 72nd Gold Key Dinner on Sunday, April 28 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.
Newman, 51, was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 18, 2008. She did not, however, let the medical crisis deter her from competing in triathlons.
She had one of her best years ever in 2012, finishing eighth in the women’s 50-54 age group in the sprint distance of the USA Triathlon National Championships in August. In October, at the International Triathlon Union Age Group Sprint World Championships in New Zealand, Newman finished second in her age division.
Newman has been a long-time competitor on the triathlon circuit and has represented the U.S. in international competitions numerous times.
“To be here is really a miracle,” she said after the race in New Zealand. “This is for every single person who is battling a disease. Never give up your dreams. The impossible is possible.”
In addition to Newman, the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance will present Gold Keys to Westport’s Laddie Lawrence, the track and field and cross country coach at Staples High School, and Norwalk’s Gary Liberatore, a former high school and college basketball star from New Canaan. Former NBA player Mike Gminski, E.O. Smith boys soccer coach John Blomstrann and UConn field hockey coach Nancy Stevens will also receive Gold Keys.
Wilton’s Casey Pearsall will also be honored as the Hal Levy High School Athlete of the Year.
Tickets to the 2013 Gold Key Dinner, which begins at 4 p.m., can be purchased by contacting either CSWA President George Albano of The (Norwalk) Hour at (203) 434-2320 or Vice President and Dinner Chair Bob Ehalt of The New Haven Register at Ehalt.Bob@sbcglobal.net.
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