Won the double sculls gold medal for the second consecutive year at the world rowing championships. Whisper it quietly, but the Waikato twins are our strongest contenders for Olympic gold in Athens next year.
Ben Fouhy
A few months ago he was Ben Who? Winning the blue-riband K1 1000mfinal at the world canoeing championships has changed that. Very promising signs that the torch carried by Ferguson, MacDonald, Thompson and co has passed to safe hands.
Scott Dixon
Won the Indy Racing League crown with a second place in the final race of the season in Texas, and in his rookie year. The world of Formula One beckons. Very much a case of when, not if.
Carol Owens
Won the world open squash title and if she follows through on her initial thinking to retire you can't fault her timing. Squash New Zealand is working to keep her on the court, the game's pre-eminent player ending the year at the top of her game.
Xavier Rush
Not what you'd call a stellar year for rugby but consider this: Rush has led the Blues to the Super 12 title and Auckland to regain the Ranfurly Shield and win their second consecutive NPC crown. Obviously some leadership potential there, Graham.
Wade Cunningham
The 19-year-old Aucklander won the world karting championship in Sarno, Italy. And before anyone suggests karting is for kids, two previous winners of the title are Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Enough said.
Melissa Moon
Retained her world mountain running title in the snows of Alaska in September. You can't do better than that. Won the Halberg Award Sportswoman of the Year category last year.
Joe Rokocoko
Seventeen tries in his first year as an All Black is easily a record. Caught the eye for his finishing skill, not to mention his blistering pace and ready smile. And he's only 20.
Ruth Aitken
Guided the Silver Ferns to the world championship. Has been rewarded for that with a four-year contract.
Ian Ferguson
The guiding hand in the emergence of Fouhy and his son Steven as paddlers to watch in international canoeing. An ideal example of a top performer putting more back into his sport.
