Olwage arrives at Auckland International Airport Chris Olwage, Mr Gay New Zealand and Mr Gay World 2013, has just arrived back in the country after his triumphant win in Antwerp, minus one of his hard-earned trophies. As he walked into the arrivals area at Auckland airport this morning Olwage says he is only beginning to recover from the exciting and "highly exhausting" process of competing in, and winning, the title against "thoroughly intense" competition. Olwage won a number of the sub-categories which contribute to the over-all international title but is disappointed that his trophy for winning the artistic challenge section of the competition "went missing." He says he has a slight idea of who may have taken it but prefers to stay mum on the subject. He understands the competition organisers will arrange for a replacement trophy. Olwage and his trophies... minus one! Of his win, "I really didn't see that coming," he says, having felt that because New Zealander Andreas Derleth won the title last year the judges "might want to see some difference or change this year." And, he says, some of the competitors felt that men from countries other than New Zealand might have "it in the bag" as being a small country we were perceived to again be "a dark horse" in the competition. For the coming year, while he holds the Mr Gay World title, Olwage says he has many opportunities for campaigning and appearances around the world. Unlike last year's winner, he says his prize package does not include travel "so I now need to find sponsorship and raise funds to take advantage of those opportunities." He says he is already talking with "my team" who have lots of plans in store.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News
First published: Tuesday, 20th August 2013 - 10:49am