“The Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive”

Long drive is a high-performance sport where players compete to drive a golf ball the farthest. The sport has an interesting history reaching back to when Chick Harbert won the inaugural long drive event during the 31^st PGA Championship in 1949. However, there is a team making the history of the sport even more rich, the New Zealand Long Blacks. Supported by the International Golf Associates New Zealand (IGANZ), Xtreme Drivers League has swiftly made a name for itself as a global leader revolutionising the sport of long drive. Home to the New Zealand Long Blacks, XDL is an award-winning national sports league for the high-performance sport and, here, we’re proud to celebrate its Founder and Owner Olna Ford.

In 1974, the long drive event took off and became much more common in the extreme sports sphere. Then, it was 2016 when the rules for long drive changed significantly, elevating the sport and resulting in the same restrictions which pro tour players had to abide by. This alteration of the rules solidified the sport’s legitimacy and guaranteed a more fair approach when people stepped up to play.

Fast forward to recent years, namely 2018, the New Zealand Long Blacks made history at The Kinloch Club, Taupo, when they won the Trans-Tasman Clash and were awarded with the Darren Wise – Stingray for the very first time. The New Zealand Long Blacks, under the guiding hand of IGANZ’s Xtreme Drivers League (XDL), have become a globally renowned long drive team of  dedicated athletes looking to enrich the sport and grow their presence even further.

Through its top-tier XDL, IGANZ is set to become a global leader in sports by bringing the underappreciated sport of long drive to new markets and establishing a new spectator sport that people everywhere can enjoy. Based on honesty, integrity, innovation, and fair play, the IGANZ serves a wide range of customers, from golfers and enthusiastic drivers to sponsors and partners. It also offers a wide range of services, with Olna and her team of driven professionals offering drive training, event management, event organisation, and player management, among other things.

Proudly introducing CEO of IGANZ and Founder and Owner of XDL Olna Ford: the “Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive”, we’d like to demonstrate her contribution to the world of long drive, and the elevation of the athletic mindset in general. Steeped in years of experience, Olna has led XDL with determination, commitment to excellence, and an unbeatable passion for success in the high-performance sport of long drive since 2016. Transforming the extreme sports landscape, Olna has focused on the success of the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and the XDL – the national organisation for the illustrious sport.

Olna’s own tremendous story of growth and strength within the sports industry is noteworthy and inspiring as she has dedicated much of her life to athletics, team building, and professional development. Beginning her professional journey as a 12-time beauty pageant winner as well as model in the sports industry, Olna stepped into a world that would allow her to blossom. She has been featured on the covers of many magazines and billboards, on television, and has been heard on the radio for the advertising and live promotions of The Total Fitness Company.

Over the years, Olna has contributed to charities through her dedication to extreme endurance events such as the 36 hour walk from Hamilton to Auckland, 24 hour treadmill run at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s fitness weekend, and more. She has also represented and been sponsored by some of the top names in the world of fitness, such as Nike, Puma, Shiseido, Ray Bans, Adidas, Asics, Reebok, Chrysler, Toyota, Fujifilm, Line 7, Speedo, and DFS.

This year Olna’s agency – Olna Inc Management – is set to relaunch and, with her rich tapestry of experience, it is sure to be a success. Acting as a buttress for both XDL Champions and International Performing Artists, Olna’s agency is able to offer international representation backed by years of first-hand experience in the field.

In 2016, Olna became the CEO of IGANZ and Founder & Owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and XDL. Her love for sport increased immensely over the years of working and modelling in the industry, and she has since flourished further with promoting, investing, and growing the sport of Long Drive in her region – and beyond. She has a goal of creating even more of a separation between long drive and standard golf and, as a firm believer in the extreme and high-performance sport, her efforts are paying off as the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and XDL continue to reach new heights.

Investing in the future of the sport, Olna’s work as CEO of IGANZ has resulted in the eight-company collective’s growth, eight registered trademarks, and the two incredible national teams making long drive even more exciting than ever before. Already hosting 38 successful events spanning eight countries, Olna has been spreading the word of long drive and the teams with whom she works.

With further plans in the pipeline to expand the sport’s presence in over 50 countries with Government officials, continue representing XDL Champions for unmissable endorsement opportunities, and raise awareness of the sport for individuals everywhere.

As a certified personal trainer, aerobics instructor, and open water diver, Olna is no stranger to discipline and dedication both physically and mentally. This also leans into her experience as a psychosomatic therapist and her certifications for personal protection, security, and CPR, which are all achievements she has worked hard for. She promises to deliver major events with drive and compassion, and truly enjoys watching and helping others to bloom.

Olna told us she is working tirelessly to grow the sport with juniors and students – with a school programme being introduced in 2025. She is also looking forward to XDL’s transition into the realm of e-sports, and even covering new ground with the official XDL Competition Grid already positioned in the USA.  This new project is all part of XDL’s landmarking within the high-performance sport’s history, and Olna is excited to be part of the process. This land mass will be a home away from home for the team and it will inspire further grids to be landscaped for the future of the sport that will support her International hosts, federation partners, and the upcoming Special Buckley Series arriving in 2025.

As it is Olna’s lifetime commitment to sport which has truly assisted this new transition, XDL’s journey to becoming even more present around the world. In addition, Olna has reached out to particular agencies to embark on new touring events which will then introduce the sport to London, connecting New Zealand to the opposite side of the world.

Furthermore, with innovative and original technologies also due to launch next year, XDL is going to introduce and promote new identities for drive cages, drive balls, a virtual grid, on and off range or road experiences, and a new concept for a Drive and Lounge facility including a virtual competition platform. This is definitely “the only place where you can drink and drive!”

Attending the Drive and Lounge facility will be a new experience for those looking to up their game, get the most out of new technologies, and spend time with champions. As a multifaceted concept, these events will touch the hospitality and entertainment industries while nourishing long drive players – no matter their age, gender, or experience.

Atop Olna’s success as a business manager taking a stand against sexism in the sports industry, she has been a driving force behind the IGANZ Women brand, which inevitably diversifies the sport and gives women and girls the chance to live out their long drive dreams. Both the Aussie Long Ballers and the New Zealand Long Blacks are home to women’s teams, and Olna has fully supported their development over the last eight years.

This much can be said for the IGANZ Kids brand, where children are encouraged to explore their passion for the sport from a young age – giving them the sturdy foundation needed to grow up more able to compete in professional leagues. Additionally, Fruit Guys, a sponsor of the IGANZ Kids events since 2016, continue to provide fresh fruit for young ones and audiences across New Zealand. By cultivating an environment of strength and nourishment for people of all ages and identities, Olna, IGANZ, and XDL deliver a path to success and allow individuals to live out their athletic visions.

New Zealand is historically proud of its contribution to the sports landscape and, partnered with international organisations such as wiistream and Kingsman and NZ partners such as Mercedes Benz North Shore, Exact Earthmoving, PowerVault, All Stone and Rock, Westend Concrete, and more, XDL continues to support the athletic ecosystem of the country. Olna gives a special thanks to Mercedes Benz North Shore who has been the Luxury Brand providing Olna, her Champions and national teams with Luxury Vehicles in promotion of  Olna’s DRIVING Luxury to the Tee vision.

With Olna’s support, in addition to backing from international sponsors and investors, the league is guaranteed to continue on its upward trajectory. Setting the pace for the sport, the New Zealand Long Blacks – comprised of the best players in the realm of long drive – will repeatedly gain recognition for their skill and enthusiasm as they make history for their country.

Moreover, with North Island Champs, South Island Champs, and New Zealand Champs this December, as well as the Australian Championship Qualifier in Queensland and national team events, coming soon in mid-2025 to represent past, present, and future – and the global launch of the sport – this year has been thrilling, and next year will definitely follow suit.

Highlighted by the New Zealand Sports Minister in 2020, as the first National Sports Organisation for Long Drive for both amateur and professional spheres, XDL was listed by champions during the pandemic. Additionally, the New Zealand Long Blacks were nominated for a Halberg ‘Team of the Year’ in 2021 making the nominations list in media and creating sports history walking the red carpet at this prestigious event. In 2022 Olna’s nominated XDL athlete received a Queen’s Honour, and a second Halberg nomination for Team of the Year was made for the New Zealand Long Black’s win for a 3rd consecutive year in 2023.

Here at APAC Insider, we’re committed to celebrating and highlighting those businesses and individuals which ultimately carve out a path of innovation and excellence for themselves and those who will come after them. As our Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024, Olna has gained our recognition for the second consecutive year in our APAC Business Awards – further solidifying her position as a leading light in the corporate and sporting landscapes.

XDL is a multi-award-winning league with such exciting plans coming into fruition for 2025, and more years to come. Because of this, Olna and XDL are guaranteed to contribute magnificent moments to the history of the sport.

Just recently, Olna partnered with a new stakeholder and visionary partner for XDL’s Australian expansion. Dr. Chenggen Hu, CEO of Wanfront Sports & Media now shares 50% ownership stake in the Aussie Long Ballers – one of XDL’s premier teams – and will serve as the International Long Drive Federation Host for Australia.

This partnership is spearheaded by Olna herself, who tells us, “We are honored to welcome Dr. Hu into the XDL family. Together, we will elevate Long Drive in Australia, offering fans unparalleled experiences and redefining the sport on a global scale. ”

With unique benefits to share with Dr. Hu, XDL Australia is set to skyrocket in 2025, and the venues and dates for Australian events are soon to follow. We’re excited to see XDL’s future unfold as Olna continually supports the company as well as the individuals and teams which surround her. Here’s to a strong future of collaboration and the rich, trailblazing energy and experience Xtreme Drivers League brings to long drive.

For business enquiries, contact Olna Ford from Xtreme Drivers League on their website – https://xdlworldwide.com/