The 30-year-old said he was ``totally surprised'' to win the two awards, which were voted on by the Australian Athletics Confederation.

Whiteley was nominated by the Tasmanian Athletic League and presented with his awards ahead of a second campaign aimed at the Stawell Gift carnival in April.

Last year Whiteley dominated the domestic distance scene and capped it by winning a backmarkers invitation 1600-metre handicap at Stawell.

``I suppose winning at Stawell helped me win the awards but I was also happy with what I achieved in Tasmania,'' he said.

Tasmanian Athletic League president Sandra Davison said it was the first time in her memory the same Tasmanian athlete had won the overall award and a category award.

Whiteley was delighted to win the awards which came just three years after he started taking running seriously.

``There was no way I was in shape to win them three years ago,'' he said.

Whiteley won the Devonport 1600m at the Christmas carnival in 2010 and then won at consecutive carnivals at Hobart, St Helens and Hobart again.

Whiteley's past season hasn't quite been as productive as a calf strain and an achilles tendon problems affected his performances.

Whiteley has planned an ultra sound for leg but is confident it won't affect his preparation for the Stawell carnival in April.

This year he intends to bypass the 800m at Stawell and concentrate his efforts on the Herb Hedemann Invitation 1600m.

Whiteley is also a wingman with the Deloraine Football Club but said his football might have to suffer this year while he attempts to correct the achilles problem.