Wayne Bartholomew

Rabbit Bartholomew
Personal information
Born	Wayne Bartholomew
Surfing career
Major achievements	1978 World Surfing Champion

Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew AM is an Australian surfer and order of Australia recipient who won the World Surfing Championship in 1978, 1999 (ASP world masters) and 2003 (ASP world grand master) .^[1] Bartholomew was also the former President of the Association of surfing professionals (ASP) 1999 - 2009 and Chief Executive Officer, 1999-2003.

The award-winning documentary "Bustin Down the Door" depicts Rabbit's early days in Coolangatta and his roller coaster ride to the top, overcoming massive obstacles along the way in his bid to bring credibility to the sport^[2].

He was given the nickname 'Rabbit' when he was young because of his speed as a footballer,^[1]^[3] and because he was missing all but his two front teeth.^[4]

Awards & Recognition

Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, 2009
Inducted into Australian Walk of Fame, 2006
Inducted into USA Hall of Fame, 2001
Inducted into Sports Australia Hall of Fame, 1999
Inducted into Australian Surfing Hall of Fame, 1987
Ambassador, International Year of the Ocean, United Nations, 1998.
3 time Gold Coast Sportsman of the Year -
ASP "services to the Sport Award"
Movie of the Year, USA Surfer Poll Awards, 2008; for Bustin' Down the Door.
Documentary of the Year, USA Surfer Poll Awards, 2008; for Bustin’ Down the Door.

References

^ ^a ^b Wayne Bartholomew profile at Surfline.com
^ Speaker Profile of Wayne Bartholomew AM at The Celebrity Speakers Bureau
^ Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew biography at WorldChampionshipSurfing.com
^ surfing history at Back to Burleigh

Persondata
Name	Bartholomew, Wayne
Alternative names	Rabbit Bartholomew
Short description
Date of birth	1954
Place of birth	Gold Coast, Queensland
Date of death
Place of death