The top 25 athletes in NZ right now, based on achievement, status and profile. Photos / Photosport
The top 25 athletes in NZ right now, based on achievement, status and profile. Photos / Photosport
They're back. After a six-year absence, say hello to the sport power rankings, presented by completely objective Otago Daily Times sports editor Hayden Meikle.
This was always a fun exercise. Rank the top 25 most powerful athletes in New Zealand right now, based on achievement, status, profile and good old-fashioned bias.
Richie McCaw was No 1 when we did our first rankings in 2010 - and he would hold top spot for five straight years, which I am sure he rated one of the great moments of his career.
Who bosses the roost now? Let's find out. Spoiler alert: There's a new king in town.
The Black Caps are world test champions. That still feels extraordinary. And at the top of this special team is a special man, destined (if he is not already) to be regarded as our greatest batsman and possibly (gasp) to go past Sir Richard Hadlee as our greatest cricketer. He should have years left in him yet but do not take Williamson for granted.
2. Lisa Carrington (canoeing)
Ms Paddles
Right now, the most popular and marketable athlete in New Zealand sport. Carrington's heroics in Tokyo - and the two Olympics before that - give her a direct route into the Hall of Fame. The question is whether her stunning success translates into her minority sport booming.
Many, like me, are not particularly fond of the sport, nor of the classlessness shown by so many of its fighters. But the UFC is huge, and Adesanya is the most famous Kiwi athlete on the planet.
4. Chris Wood (football)
Striking force
Under-rated by many but NOT under-rated by these prestigious rankings. Wood is a generational talent and it never gets boring seeing him score in the Premier League.
5. Steven Adams (basketball)
Steven Adams. Photo / Photosport
Grizzly Adams
Play for the Tall Blacks, mate, and you might get to No 1.
6. Peter Burling and Blair Tuke (yachting)
Super sailors
The dazzling duo just missed out on a second Olympic gold in Tokyo but their star has not dimmed. Led the defence of the America's Cup in March and now they are in the SailGP competition.
7. Lydia Ko (golf)
On par
Bronze at the Olympics, broke a long professional drought with victory on the LPGA Tour, and back up to No 5 in the world. How wonderful to see Ko looking happy and playing well again.
The All Black captain - a job second in importance only to the Prime Minister - all the way down at No 8? Cripes. Cane might not have the status of a McCaw or a Read, but he will show his value when he returns from injury.
9. Sophie Pascoe (swimming)
Sophie Pascoe. Photo / Photosport
Paralympic queen
Not sure what else there is to be said. Truly amazing.
10. Scott Dixon (motorsport)
Wheely good
Still charging hard in the IndyCar series, though he has had a frustrating season. The six-time champion brought up 50 race wins this year. If it looks like he is about to be eclipsed by fellow Kiwi Scott McLaughlin, who joined IndyCar this year after winning three Supercars titles, that does not mean Dixon should go quietly into the night.
