Age’s no barrier to croquet glory
IT may be an unusual pastime for a teenager but Ethan Chilton says croquet is a game for all ages.
Chilton, 13, recently competed in the Southport Croquet Club’s Mallet Sports on the Broadwater tournament which attracted players from throughout the state.
And with three high school students playing in the ricochet event – Chilton and Toowoomba siblings Frances and Timothy Wright – there was a record crowd of youngsters on the Southport green.
A Year 8 student at Varsity College, Chilton was introduced to the sport by his family, including mother Julia Tai – who he played doubles with at the recent Southport tournament – and grandfather John Tai.
“I’m the youngest in this club and I think I’m the youngest in Queensland,” Chilton said. “I’ve been playing for about 10 months.
“It’s really fun. A lot of people seem to assume that it’s an old people’s sport because they see seniors and older people playing it but really it’s a sport for all ages.
“It’s easy to play, easy to learn, all you need to do is hit a ball through a little hoop.”
Chilton completed his first ricochet croquet tournament recently, although he is a virtual pro in the gateball event, having competed in more than 10 competitions.
“I enjoy the competitions. They give me a challenge because I’m playing against new players or players that I haven’t played before and from everywhere around Australia,” he said.
And he said it was a pleasant change to compete against the Wright siblings.
“I don’t see many (other young people) that often,” he said.
Chilton though intends to eventually embody the croquet stereotype.
“I’ll probably play all my life and try to become a life member,” he said.
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