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The induction of the 2021 Sports Legends of Wellington recognises Wellington icons of sport who have made an outstanding contribution as an athlete. Since 2003, 56 athletes have received recognition as Sports Legends of Wellington.The criteria, as set out by the Academy, are that the Legend must:
• Have a close allegiance to the Wellington area
• Be an athlete (as distinct from a coach or administrator)
• Be retired at least 10 years from top competition at the time of their induction
Most importantly the Legends must be acknowledged icons who have made an indelible impact on our community through their accomplishments.
Home of the Legends as part of the induction Legends unveil a plaque honouring their achievements. The plaques are displayed at the ASB Sports Centre in Kilbirnie, providing a permanent place of recognition.The public are welcome to view the plaques on the mezzanine floor of the ASB Sports Centre during regular opening hours.
Congratulations to our 2021 Sport Legends
Duane Kale - Para Swimming
Duane Kale represented New Zealand as a Paralympic swimmer. He won four golds, along with a silver and bronze at the 1996 Summer Paralympics. He was also the Chef de Mission for the New Zealand Paralympic Team at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Paralympics. In 1997 Kale was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to swimming.
Lynnette Brooky - Golf
Lynnette Brooky turned professional in 1994 and spent her playing career playing mainly on the Ladies European Tour (LET). She won four LET tournaments including back-to-back French Opens, and went on to win a further four in the Australian Ladies Professional Golf Tour. She also represented New Zealand in the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Women’s World Cup of Golf.
Olivia Baker - Weightlifting
Olivia Baker was New Zealand's highest performing female weightlifter in the commonwealth and Olympic games. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics Baker finished eighth in the 75+ kilograms combined category. At the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester she was awarded a silver medal in the 75+ kilograms snatch and two bronze medals for the 75+ kilograms clean and jerk and the 75+ kilograms combined.
Tana Umaga - Rugby
Tana Umaga represented the New Zealand All Blacks from 1997-2005, playing 74 tests and being named as captain of the national side in 2004. He played for the Hurricanes from the Super 12’s inception in 1996 and played 100 matches for the Wellington Lions. Umaga was awarded New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year in 2000.
Previous Sports Legends of Wellington
2019
Allan Hewson - Rugby
Michael Kenny - Boxing
Naomi Shaw - Softball
Trish McKelvey - Cricket
2018
Stuart Davenport – Squash
Kevin Herlihy (1948 – 2006) – Softball
Suzie Muirhead – Hockey
Melissa Moon – Athletics
2017
Jean Jarden (1907-1983) – Croquet
Bryan Rose – Athletics
Jeremy Coney – Cricket
2016
Murray Dunn (1935-2015) – Table Tennis
Belinda Cordwell – Tennis
Bernie Fraser – Rugby
Stu Wilson – Rugby
2015
John Durry (1936-2006) – Golf
Barry Sinclair – Cricket
Maureen Jacobson – Football
Murray Mexted – Rugby
2014
Kenny McFadden – Basketball
Bevan Smith – Athletics
Mark Sorenson – Softball
Ron McKenzie (1922 – 2006) – Tennis
2013
Bob Blair – Cricket
Judy Howat – Lawn Bowls
Peter Miskimmin – Hockey
Mark Nicholls (1901-1972) – Rugby
2012
Margharet Matenga- Netball
Kathleen Nunnely (1872-1956) – Tennis
Philip Rush – Distance Swimming
2011
Colin O’Neil – Rugby League
Graham Williams – Rugby
Ken Gray (1938 – 1992) – Rugby
2010
Waimarama Taumaunu – Netball
Wynton Rufer – Football
Stewie Dempster (1903 – 1974) – Cricket
2009
Ewen Chatfield – Cricket
Arthur Donald Duncan (1876 – 1951) – Golf
Meda McKenzie – Swimming
2008
Ted Morgan (1906 – 1952) – Boxing
Ross Collinge – Rowing
Trevor Manning – Hockey
Alan McIntyre – Hockey
2007
Ron Jarden (1929 – 1977) – Rugby
Jack Tynan – Hockey
Andy Leslie – Rugby
2006
Bill Massey – Softball
Harry Kent – Cycling
2005
Eric Tindill (1910 – 2010) – Rugby/Cricket
Billy Wallace (1878 – 1972) – Rugby
Dick Joyce – Rowing
Marilyn Marshall – Softball/Football
2004
Barrie Devenport (1935 – 2010) – Distance Swimming
Rebecca Perrott – Swimming
John Reid – Cricket
2003
Onny Parun – Tennis
