Tony Scott retires from national and international duties
Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Tony Scott has advised National Coach Steve Glasson of his decision to retire from further national and international bowling duties, effective immediately.
Scott, who claimed the vision-impaired mixed pairs bronze medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games less than four months ago, made a significant mark on both the national arena and world stage during a distinguished career.
Among the Racecourse Bowls Club bowler’s numerous achievements in the sport, winning the National B3 singles title for the past eight consecutive years ranks among the highest, while he reached the pinnacle of his international career in 2013, securing the B3 singles gold medal at the World Blind Bowls Championships in Worthing, England.
“This decision has been made after long and arduous considerations and consultation with my family and myself,” Scott said.
“I want to thank everybody I have met on this journey, many of whom have become life long friends.
“To those people who have given me the opportunities to represent you, I am honoured to have been given the chance and I hope I repaid your confidence in me.
Glasson paid tribute to Scott’s contribution to the sport over his career.
“Tony has been a fantastic ambassador for the sport and on behalf of all of the players who shared the green with him, particularly the Australian Jackaroos during their preparations and Commonwealth Games’ campaigns, I would like to thank Tony for his contribution and congratulate him on tremendous career.”
The 54-year-old said he would have loved to have set his sights on the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, but believed the next generation of bowlers would eclipse him before then, and was ready to put his feet up and enjoy some well earned travel.
“My thinking is, ‘where do I go from here?’ I just cannot foresee being able to dedicate the time and enthusiasm needed for another crack at a Commonwealth Games, and there are some very talent bowlers coming through the ranks.
“After the World championships in England in 2013, my wife and myself went on our first holiday in ten years, something we haven’t been able to afford since starting on this roller coaster ride.
“We both thoroughly enjoyed the break and want to do more travel in the future.”
Bowls Australia would like to thank Tony for his service to the sport and wish him well in his future endeavors.
Caption: Tony Scott, centre, with his bowling director brother Peter, and Commonwealth Games vision-impared mixed pairs partner Joy Foster, right, and her director Bruce Jones.
