By JOLENE OGLE
TWO champions have united – Olympic kayak champion Clint Robinson and Jeep dealer of the year for three years in a row, Cricks Noosa.
Cricks Noosa were proud to announce a two-year sponsorship agreement with Olympic kayaker Clint, who drove away on Wednesday in a brand-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland complete with roof-racks to help get his surf skis and kayaks to training.
Clint, who has a list of impressive achievements including three Olympic medals for kayaking, said it was great to have the support of a local business.
Clint has been competing in surf ski and kayaking events around the world for over 25 years and boasts a long list of honours including being awarded the Order of Australia medal (OAM), installed in the Sunshine Coast sport hall of fame and the Sport Australia hall of fame.
Clint says he doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon, with a newfound passion in helping others enjoy the sport he loves so much.
“At early forties it’s a little more difficult (to paddle) and I have other priorities that are, of course, in front of that now, but it keeps me fit and healthy,” he said.
“I think I’ll paddle until I actually feel like I’ve lost the ability to do things I like to do. I’ll go and have social paddles and help guys … who come down to the (training) sessions with me.
“I actually get a real kick out of helping other people now as much as I do paddling myself.”
Clint’s next challenge is to tackle the 50km Molokai surf ski race in Hawaii in May and he’s taking Cricks Noosa dealer principal Matthew Murray with him.
“My 67-year-old neighbour is coming to paddle with me,” Matthew said.
“Between the two of us, there is over 110 years and more than 200 kg in the boat.”
While busy training for the epic paddle, Matthew and the team at Cricks Noosa have taken out the Jeep dealer of the year for the third time in a row.
Matthew attributes the win to having a fantastic team.
“Importantly, we have the same team. We are the same team that won it three years ago as the team that won it this year,” he said.
“It’s the key to our success. We’re passionate about the product.
“We know the product and we stay because we love being here and we love Jeeps.”
