The Newry runner was given the honour at the Wellington Sports Awards on Monday night at Sporting Legends.

Huffer shared the award last year with swimmer Jeremy Meyer.

Huffer recorded some impressive performances in Europe and the United States over the past year, including a sub four-minute mile in Nashville, Tennessee.

He ran a world championship A qualifying time and personal best over 1500 metres at a meeting in Barcelona, Spain, won over 1500m in Indianapolis, Indiana and Uden, Netherlands, and set a new 800m PB at Liege, Belgium.

Huffer received $5000 while his club, Wellington Athletic Club, received $1000.

Because Huffer is currently based in Colorado, the award was accepted by his father and coach Denis, who thanked The Gippsland Times, Sporting Legends and Wellington Shire Council for recognising the region's young sporting talent.

"Athletics is a small sport and to be acknowledged in your own area is a bonus,'' he said.

Nine other athletes were recognised at the gala with interim awards.

Shannen Lange and Alexander Carr were recognised for making state football teams, Jack Wrigglesworth and Matthew Mitchell for selection in state cricket teams, Mia Ross after success at state and national championships, Sophie Jackson, who competed at the national surf life saving championships, Australian swimming team member Jeremy Meyer, Madelaine Richardson, who toured Brunei and the United Kingdom with an Australian invitational soccer team, and golfer Harrison Savage, who competed in events in Scotland, including the British Boys' Open.

The crowd was entertained at the end of the evening by special guest, British comedian Bob "The Cat'' Bevan.