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".
On-field 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.
THE TOP 10
1. Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (18)
Board chairwoman
You were not expecting that, were you? But there is something magical about this one. She is young and brilliant — basically a marketer’s dream. If she is not being lined up for million-dollar contracts, there is something seriously wrong. Created history with New Zealand’s first Winter Olympics gold medal and you get the feeling it will not be the snowboarding sensation’s last.
The fighter
Israel Mobolaji Odunayo Oluwafemi Temitayo Owolabi Adesanya. He’s a bit mouthy, a bit classless and a bit bitter at his supposed ill-treatment by his adopted country. But the UFC middleweight champion is a phenomenal mixed martial artist. He is No2 on the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings and perhaps our only genuine global sporting star.
Centre of attention
Still in his 20s but preparing for his 10th season as a regular player in the NBA. There are good New Zealand hoopers everywhere now but none has that sort of record. Adams — still, sadly, refusing to play for the Tall Blacks — has just come off a quietly excellent season for the Grizzlies.
Boy wonder
The other face of the wonderful young New Zealand snowsports squad. Porteous was beaten to the punch by the other history-maker but he was rightly celebrated for his own gold medal-winning exploits in Beijing. Absolutely electric to watch him do his thing.
Birdie maker
Ko is playing great golf and seems really happy off the course as she prepares to get married. Hasn’t won a major this year but has banked a handy couple of million, has seven top-10 finishes in her past nine starts, and is ranked fourth in the world.
Striking performer
Still, unbelievably, the most underrated sportsman in New Zealand. Wood is a legitimate challenger to Wynton Rufer and Ryan Nelsen as the Kiwi football GOAT. Part of the Saudi-backed revolution at Newcastle United.
7. Ardie Savea (new)
First man picked
There are many debates around All Blacks selection but "does Ardie make the starting XV" is not one of them. Genuinely world-class loose forward.
8. Aaron Gate (new)
Right on track
The big Kiwi story at the Commonwealth Games with four stunning gold medals in cycling.
9. Kane Williamson (1)
Kane still able?
Perhaps getting close to the twilight of his career, and hasn’t actually played much this year due to injury. But class is permanent, and the Black Caps captain should have some runs left in him yet.
10. Ellesse Andrews (new)
Wheel-y exciting
The other big Kiwi story at the Commonwealth Games. A superstar in the making.
11. Sam Cane (8)
Normally, the captain of our national team would rank higher. But the All Blacks (the Johannesburg test 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.
12. Gina Crampton (new)
She is taking a sabbatical now but the Silver Ferns captain is a class act and a proven international force.
13. Lisa Carrington (2)
Not an Olympic year, so the kayaking queen has a slight drop. Her legacy is secure.
14. Daryl Mitchell (new)
Who imagined him making this list? The Black Cap of the year.
15. Ryan Fox (23)
Quietly just having an excellent year.
16. Scott Dixon (10)
The elder statesman of New Zealand motorsport — and he can still go really fast.
17. Sam Whitelock (11)
Ol’ faithful in the second row is the heart and soul of the All Blacks.
18. Libby Cacace (new)
Playing AC Milan, Juventus ... still boggles the mind.
19. Tom Walsh (25)
The shot put king is the smiling face of New Zealand athletics.
20. Paul Coll (new)
The pride of the West Coast is becoming a squash great.
21. Sophie Devine (new)
Brilliance personified in the White Ferns.
22. Lewis Clareburt (new)
Prepare for the swim sensation to rocket up this list in the coming years.
23. Peter Burling/Blair Tuke (6)
Not an America’s Cup year but the sailors are still showing their class on and off the water.
24. Hayden Wilde (new)
Now established as one of the world’s elite triathletes.
25. Kendra Cocksedge (new)
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 Tuivasa-Sheck (22), Shane van Gisbergen (24).
