Shepparton tenpin bowler Amanda Threlfall has exactly that in mind coming into 2025 — and she won’t be waiting long for her chance.
Already seasoned in competing at the top level of para bowling, having become a fixture within representative squads some years ago, Threlfall has the opportunity to fly the local flag in a little more than two weeks in Hong Kong.
There, she’ll compete in the green and gold as part of the IBF Para Bowling World Championships from January 17-24.
You’d be mistaken if you thought that occasion would leave her feeling daunted, though.
“In a six-month span alone, I became a Victorian champion, an Australian champion and then a world champion,” Threlfall said.
“I’ve been doing Victorian team stuff for about eight years, being in the national pathway squad and representing Australia since 2022.
“I’d played in country cups for so many years after my husband got me into the sport, before someone mentioned disability bowling and the fact they travel around a lot.
“Shepparton bowling is great, but seeing them and what they accomplish just keeps me coming back.
“I won the Inclusion Cup in 2023 and 2024 on the Sunshine Coast and I’m going to Coolangatta in May for three in a row.”
As one can plainly tell, it shapes as a ripping calendar year upcoming for the local hopeful.
Who wouldn’t feel like everything was there to play for after such a meteoric rise to the top to begin with?
She won’t get ahead of herself by pencilling wins in, however, because there’s nothing like the pressure of a world title meet.
“I’m confident, but I just take one frame at a time and do my best,” Threlfall said.
“I’m just happy I’ve been selected to represent our country and wear the green and gold.”
The impending world tournament continues a rather strong run of form for Shepparton-aligned tenpin bowlers in recent times, following the town’s stirring performances in last month’s state meet at Keon Park.
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