GOING FOR GOLD IN OZ Claire sets sights on 2018 Commonwealth Games
Hamilton bowler Claire Walker has set her sights on representing GB at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games next year – but won’t be bitter if she misses out.
Walker (25), who recently won the Scottish Junior Ladies’ Championships at Northfield in Ayr, hopes she has done enough to merit her place.
However, Eddlewood bowler Claire says she has time on her side and can still make a Commonwealth Games, even if she’s not selected next month for the event in Australia.
Claire said: “Everyone’s ultimate goal is to be the best, so that means the Commonwealth Games.
“If I was to be selected it would be the biggest thing to ever happen to me in my entire life.
“If I got that call I don’t think I would stop crying, I would be so happy.
“I’ve never really thought about it before, because it seemed so far away, but in the last year I’ve realised I have a chance, certainly with me being selected for the high-performance squad – that has brought it a bit nearer, and made it a bit more real
“Bowls isn’t part of the Olympics yet so the Commonwealth Games is the best you can get at the moment.
“I’m in the selection process stands, so there is a chance.
“We find out in September who is going, and there is one more event to go before that.
“I’ll be happy for whoever is picked. If I’m not, then I will be gutted but not devastated – I have years ahead of me and can go for at least one more Games, and whoever is picked will deserve it.
“Some of the players in this squad are absolutely amazing, and a few of them have a lot more experience than me.
“I’m still learning and just enjoying being part of the squad.”
Claire is no stranger to as it winning trophies and medals as part of a team, but had previously never won an outdoor title on her own.
She said: “Winning the Scottish Junior Ladies’ Championship is one of the top three things I’ve ever done, and I took part in the Multi-nations invitational event in Broadbeach, Australia, with the Scottish high-performance squad in June.
“Northfield is what everyone plays bowls for – it’s the highlight of the season and it’s the best experience to play down there.
“It’s the first outdoor title I’ve won on my own. Last year I won the national indoor pairs and triples and the British pairs and triples, so I’m quite lucky that there are a lot of good players at Eddlewood, and there is a lot of support here. There are some good teams.
“I’ve been playing for 16 years, indoor then outdoor at 15.
“I only moved to Eddlewood last year – I had been playing at a club in Cambuslang before.”