Teen ready to roll
Chloe Stewart’s selection in the Australian bowls team may have come as a shock to the talented teenager but for national coach Steve Glasson it was a simple decision, as Kristen Alebakis reports for the Bendigo Advertiser.
The 19-year-old has been selected to make her international debut at the Trans Tasman tournament in New Zealand next month.
She was hand-picked by the Bowls Australia selection panel to headline the women’s Open event in the coveted singles role.
“Chloe has had a standout 12 months at senior and under-25 levels and has proven beyond a doubt that she is ready to make the leap in to the main Australian team,” Glasson said.
“Her selection is a testament to not only her ability to perform on the green, but also her levelheadedness and maturity beyond her years.
“I’m confident that this will be the start of a long an illustrious career.”
The Kyneton star admitted she didn’t expect to be named in the senior team so soon, but said she was excited to represent her country.
“I feel a little bit of pressure, but over the next month or so I will be doing all that I can on and off the green, so I can put my best foot forward in New Zealand,” Stewart said.
“It is going to be a really good experience, especially in the lead up to the world championships and the Commonwealth Games.
“I am really looking forward to playing with the rest of the team.”
As part of the Trans Tasman tournament, Stewart is expected to go head-to-head with Commonwealth Games gold medalist Jo Edwards.
“It will be tough to go against her, but I will give it my best shot and who knows maybe I will even get a win,” she said.
Stewart was also the joint winner for the month of November with cycling coach Tim Decker for the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Advertiser Prime-7 Sports Star of the Year awards.
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