Gentles touch double delight
THE running prowess of the Gentle family may deliver a Commonwealth Games gold medal and a local football premiership in one year.
Ashleigh Gentle, 27, regarded as the best runner in women’s triathlon globally, won gold in the mixed teams relay at the Gold Coast Games in April and younger brother Nick, 24, is showing it runs in the blood.
Gentle has been among the best in six of the seven games he has played for the Carrara Saints QFA division three Australian rules team, developing a reputation for his speed and endurance.
The siblings also share their competitive spirit, with Ash achieving top three finishes in the World Triathlon Series and Nick’s physicality in a contest replicated by few.
“He is our quickest player and has the most endurance at our club,” Saints coach Nicholas Pearson said.
“He has been in the best every game and his tackling is ferocious. Very rarely in these divisions do you hear tackles and you can absolutely hear his. Everyone he makes sticks.”
Gentle played football at the age of 13 for Broadbeach and 16 for Carrara while putting his focus on to cricket.
He spent the past five seasons playing in the Gold Coast first grade competition for Mudgeeraba Nerang & Districts’ Cricket Club, predominantly as a bowler.
Gentle, who has returned to footy after seven years, said he never built the running resume of his sister as a junior but had always enjoyed endurance events.
“My pace is definitely my strength,” Gentle said. “It sort of runs in the family.”
Gentle missed the opening round of the season on April 7, the same day he watched Ash win gold in the mixed teams relay at the Commonwealth Games.
“I would have been kicking myself if I missed that gold medal,” he said.