WHO are the most influential people in Gold Coast sport? The Bulletin has scoured every sport to come up with a Power 50, ranking those who have an impact here in our city.
Today, we look at numbers 40-31, with Bowls Queensland boss Brett Wilkie among those to feature.
All key figures will be revealed online throughout the week before the full list appears in Saturday’s Bulletin and on our website.
40. MICHAEL BOHL
Swam at the 1982 Commonwealth Games and now has brought his expertise to the Gold Coast having recently relocated. Has a key role to play as Griffith University swim coach, not to mention is the father of Australian breaststroker Georgia Bohl.
39. ALI DAY
Coolangatta Gold ace has won the coveted title five times to equal Caine Eckstein’s record.
WHO SNEAKS INTO OUR LIST AT NUMBERS 41-50?
Affiliated with Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, he almost clinched his second Nutri-Grain Ironman Series crown this year before heartbreakingly missing out to close mate Matt Bevilacqua.
38. PRESTON CAMPBELL
The Gold Coast Titans’ very first NRL signing still has a massive influence both in rugby league and indigenous circles. Recently had a stand at Cbus Super Stadium named after him in a fitting gesture. Also helping grassroots footy by pulling on the boots for Helensvale.
37. KIM BENDING
Appointed as the man to lead the Gold Coast District Rugby Union out of a difficult period. Has not been backward about the challenges they face but he and his board have been full of energy in tackling various matters to bring the competition forward.
36. TREVOR HENDY
Surf lifesaving legend who is considered up there with Shannon Eckstein as the sport’s greatest of all time. Continued influence as Surfers Paradise president and mentors athletes including Ali Day, while son TJ is carving out his own career.
35. DAMIAN DRISCOLL
Former Gold Coast Chargers front-rower is chief executive of the powerful Burleigh Bears rugby league club.
The Pizzey Park-based venture have been a force in both the men’s and women’s game and are a significant part of the Coast’s junior representative pathway.
34. CAMERON MCEVOY
Talented swimmer with a massive profile. Born and bred on the Gold Coast, the man known as ‘The Professor’ holds the fastest 100m freestyle time in history in a textile swimsuit.
33. TOM LYNCH
The Gold Coast Suns marquee man has been a bright spark for the AFL club in recent years, exciting fans young and old with his ability to boot big hauls of goals. It’s no surprise why he is being so eagerly pursued by heavyweight Melbourne clubs.
32. BRETT WILKIE
Bowls has a massive presence on the Gold Coast and Wilkie is a big part of that. Tasted plenty of success himself on the world stage during an illustrious career and is the chief executive of Bowls Queensland.
31. STUART DEW
The person charged with the pressing responsibility of turning around the Gold Coast Suns’ on-field fortunes, which in turn could save their crowd numbers. Tough first year since replacing Rodney Eade as coach but knows success from his Hawthorn 2008 premiership season.
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