Grant Kenny
Encyclopedia
Grant Hayden Kenny OAM
(born 14 June 1963 in Maryborough, Queensland
) is an Australia
n former Ironman
, surf lifesaver and canoer
.
After turning his attention to kayaks in the mid 80's, Kenny later became an important figure in creating the Uncle Toby's Super Series
which was a ground-breaking professional Iron Man circuit that lasted for 12 years. Kenny was also a competitor in the first two seasons but by 1989 his other interests had taken away the necessary time to train for such a demanding sport and his results where never anything like his domination during his late teens.
In kayaks, Kenny competed in two Summer Olympics, Kenny won a bronze medal in the K-2 1000 m event with Barry Kelly
at Los Angeles
in 1984
.
Kenny is a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia, which he received in 1986 for his service to sport. He has also been awarded the Australian Sports Medal
in 2000, and the Centenary Medal
in 2001, both for his services to the sporting and business world.
Kenny and former wife Lisa Curry-Kenny
co-own the Curry Kenny Aviation Group, which in 2009 owned approximately 60 aircraft.
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
(born 14 June 1963 in Maryborough, Queensland
Maryborough, Queensland
Maryborough is a city located on the Mary River in South East Queensland, Australia, approximately north of the state capital, Brisbane. The city is serviced by the Bruce Highway, and has a population of approximately 22,000 . It is closely tied to its neighbour city Hervey Bay which is...
) is an Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n former Ironman
Ironman (surf lifesaving)
The sport of Ironman was developed in 1964 in Australia by Mr Valentine Trainor to combine the four main disciplines of surf lifesaving into a single race; swimming, board paddling, ski paddling and running...
, surf lifesaver and canoer
Canoe racing
This article discusses canoe sprint and canoe marathon, competitive forms of canoeing and kayaking on more or less flat water. Both sports are governed by the International Canoe Federation ....
.
Career
Kenny made headlines in 1980 when he won both the Australian Junior and Open Iron Man Championship on the same day as a 16 year old. Kenny then won the Australian Open Ironman Title for the following three years. He also became a household name in Australia due to his sponsorhip deals with Kelloggs Nutri-Grain and appeared in television commercials for the cereal.After turning his attention to kayaks in the mid 80's, Kenny later became an important figure in creating the Uncle Toby's Super Series
Uncle Toby's Super Series
The Uncle Toby's Super Series was a professional Iron Man circuit that ran from 1989 to 2001. It was considered by many to be the pinnacle of Surf Lifesaving and inspired many young kids to become involved in the sport...
which was a ground-breaking professional Iron Man circuit that lasted for 12 years. Kenny was also a competitor in the first two seasons but by 1989 his other interests had taken away the necessary time to train for such a demanding sport and his results where never anything like his domination during his late teens.
In kayaks, Kenny competed in two Summer Olympics, Kenny won a bronze medal in the K-2 1000 m event with Barry Kelly
Barry Kelly (canoer)
Barry Kelly is an Australian sprint canoer who competed in the early to mid 1980s. Competing in two Summer Olympics, he won a bronze medal in the K-2 1000 m event at Los Angeles in 1984.-References:*...
at Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in 1984
1984 Summer Olympics
The 1984 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIII Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event held in Los Angeles, California, United States in 1984...
.
Kenny is a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia, which he received in 1986 for his service to sport. He has also been awarded the Australian Sports Medal
Australian Sports Medal
The Australian Sports Medal was an award given during 2000 to recognise achievements in Australian sport.Recipients of the award included competitors, coaches, sports scientists, office holders, and people who maintained sporting facilities and services. Over 18,000 Medals were...
in 2000, and the Centenary Medal
Centenary Medal
The Centenary Medal is an award created by the Australian Government in 2001. It was established to commemorate the Centenary of Federation of Australia and to honour people who have made a contribution to Australian society or government...
in 2001, both for his services to the sporting and business world.
Kenny and former wife Lisa Curry-Kenny
Lisa Curry-Kenny
Lisa Gaye Curry AO MBE is a former Australian swimmer and is an Australian media personality.Curry was the chair of the National Australia Day Council from 2000 - 2008...
co-own the Curry Kenny Aviation Group, which in 2009 owned approximately 60 aircraft.