Melissa Potocka Moon (born 16 September 1969) is a

long-distance Long distance or Long-distance may refer to: *Long-distance calling * Long-distance operator * Long-distance relationship * Long-distance train *Long-distance anchor pylon, see dead-end tower Footpaths * Long-distance trail *European long-d ...

runner Running is a method of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move rapidly on foot. Running is a type of gait characterized by an aerial phase in which all feet are above the ground (though there are exceptions). This is ...

from

Wellington, New Zealand Wellington ( mi, Te Whanganui-a-Tara or ) is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range. Wellington is the second-largest city in New Zealand by me ...

. She is a two time World Mountain Running champion and has won 21 New Zealand athletics titles over her career. In 2001, she was named New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year. In 2008, she was named as one of the JCI

Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) program serves to formally recognize young people who excel in their chosen fields and exemplify the best attributes of the world's young people. The program is sponsored by Junior Chamber Intern ...

. In 2010, Moon won the women's race up the 86 flights of stairs of the Empire State Building, in a time of 13 minutes and 13 seconds. In the 2021 New Year Honours, Moon was appointed a

Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit The New Zealand Order of Merit is an order of merit in the New Zealand royal honours system. It was established by royal warrant on 30 May 1996 by Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, "for those persons who in any field of endeavour, have ren ...

, for services to athletics and charitable causes.

External links

Official website
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References

1969 births Living people New Zealand mountain runners Athletes from Wellington City People educated at Wellington Girls' College New Zealand female long-distance runners World Mountain Running Championships winners Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit {{NewZealand-athletics-bio-stub