Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Willis wants to say thanks for honour

Updated at 12:27 pm on 31 December 2008

The Olympic bronze medalist Nick Willis says he'd like to give back more to the sport that has done so much for him.

Willis is one of seven New Zealand Olympic medallists to have been honoured in the New Year's honours list.

The United States-based Hutt valley runner has become a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Athletics.

Willis says he wanted to thank those who supported him when he returned home after the Beijing Olympics.

He says he came back and toured round the country for a month with his wife to show New Zealand his medal.

But Willis, a devout Christian, says he's been a much greater recipient of goodwill and assistance than he's been able to give back so far, but he'd like that to change.

Copyright © 2008, Radio New Zealand