KURT Fearnley always knew that the residents of Carcoar were proud of him, but now it is set in stone. Or at least a sign.
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In honour of Fearnley's amazingly successful year, Carcoar residents have named a park after the world champion athlete.
A special ceremony was held on Saturday with more than 50 of the Paralympic champion's family and friends turning out to see the Kurt Fearnley Park sign unveiled.
"I always knew that Carcoar were proud of me but now it is written on a sign in the park," Fearnley said.
Originally a little apprehensive about the park being renamed, Fearnley said it was a lovely gesture from his home town.
"Carcoar were always my earliest supports and now when people ask who is this Kurt Fearnley bloke, the people in the town can say he was young guy we bought a wheelchair for and went on to do great things," he said.
In an incredible season the 26-year-old former CSU student has won 10 marathons on five continents in just 12 months.
The feather in his cap came when Fearnley defended his New York marathon title in early November.
"I heard an introduction the other day that said,I had been in 11 marathons for 10 wins, six course records, four 10km [races] with four 10km wins," he said.
"And I am the current world champion in every event from the 800 metres to the marathon.
"It doesn't get much better than this."
With marathon wins in London, Paris, South Africa, Osaka and Australia, Fearnley admitted people from all over the Central West stopped him in the street to wish the champion all the best.
"I was born in Cowra hospital, went to school in Blayney, went to uni in Bathurst and have spent time Orange," he said.
"So I always have people coming up to me slapping me on the back saying you are doing us so proud.
"Carcoar has just taken it to the next step which is nice."
