KERKOW TO TAKE HIS PLACE AMONG LEGENDS
KELVIN Kerkow is officially a legend.
The South Tweed lawn bowls veteran will be elevated to a heavenly presence at the sport’s Hall of Fame and Awards Night on the Gold Coast next month.
In the first additions to Legend Status since Glynn Bosisto was confirmed at the inaugural staging of the Hall of Fame in 2011, Kerkow will join Rex Johnston in the elite category.
Kerkow, 48, enjoyed a scintillating career for the Australian Jackaroos from 1995 to 2008, amassing more than 300 international caps and becoming one of bowls’ most recognisable figures.
He created arguably the most iconic moment in bowls history when he celebrated his 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games men’s singles gold by ripping off his shirt and being chaired from the Darebin International Sports Centre arena by teammates.
He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to the sport of bowls in 2010.
Kerkow’s story is made even more remarkable given he endured and overcame a debilitating illness, Guillian-Barre Syndrome, which paralysed him as a child.
The condition left him requiring the aid of a walking stick to play bowls for the remainder of his life.
Kerkow boasts a rich history with South Tweed Sports, and is a current Australian selector.
Johnston, meanwhile, enjoyed an illustrious international playing career from 1988 to 2004.
The Tuncrurry Beach Bowling Club member, 66, is the only Australian bowler to have represented his country at four consecutive Commonwealth Games, from 1990 to 2002.
“Kelvin and Rex are without question two of the greatest players to have ever played the sport, not just in this country, but worldwide,” Bowls Australia president Nigel Smith said.