Queen of slopes powers to peak rank
It is that time of year again. The annual New Zealand sport power rankings always cause plenty of debate, and Hayden Meikle is again here to guide you through this glorious waste of . . . er, this really important exercise.
POWER. Who’s got the power? This is not a ranking of the best athletes in New Zealand. We (well, I) have ranked them based on status, achievement, profile and a fourth category loosely titled ‘‘just because’’.
Onfield performers only. No coaches, no managers, no chief executives, no commentators and no owners.
As I say every year: This is my opinion, so it cannot be wrong. Complaints and suggestions are welcome (see email below). But this is my opinion, so it cannot be wrong.
The figures in parentheses represent where the athletes appeared in last year’s power rankings. aside) have been on a dreadful run, and many believe Cane is not the man to wear the armband. Still a fine player, and the coach has faith in him.
She is taking a sabbatical now but the Silver Ferns captain is a class act and a proven international force.
Not an Olympic year, so the kayaking queen has a slight drop. Her legacy is secure.
Who imagined him making this list? The Black Cap of the year.
Quietly just having an excellent year.
The elder statesman of New Zealand motorsport — and he can still go really fast.
Ol’ faithful in the second row is the heart and soul of the All Blacks.
Playing AC Milan, Juventus . . . still boggles the mind.
The shot put king is the smiling face of New Zealand athletics.
The pride of the West Coast is becoming a squash great.
Brilliance personified in the White Ferns.
Prepare for the swim sensation to rocket up this list in the coming years.
Not an America’s Cup year but the sailors are still showing their class on and off the water.
Now established as one of the world’s elite triathletes.
Some are calling her the greatest halfback we have had.
Gone but not forgotten (last year’s ranking in parentheses): Sophie Pascoe (9), Kyle Jamieson (12), Ameliaranne Ekenasio (13), Aaron Smith (14), Hamish Bond (15), Sarah Hirini (16), Valerie Adams (17), Devon Conway (19), Emma Twigg (20), Courtney Duncan (21), Roger TuivasaSheck (22), Shane van Gisbergen (24).