HORSHAM’S Sophie Martin has taken a huge step in her tenpin bowling development by being named to represent Australia.
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Martin will represent Australia at the 2018 Asian Schools Championships in Taiwan with the competition starting on September 30.
At just 15, Martin is one of the youngest bowlers in her team of eight girls. A team of eight boys will also compete with five coaching staff travelling to the event.
Martin said it had been an aim for her to make the team for some time.
“I wanted to make the team last year but didn’t so I just worked harder and I finally got in this year,” she said.
“It felt good and it was very exciting to be told I was in the team. I’m excited to go over there and compete.”
Martin said she would keep training before the competition.
I wanted to make the team last year but didn’t so I just worked harder and I finally got in this year.
- Sophie Martin
“Because everyone in the team lives in different states we can’t really train together that much,” she said.
“We will all go to Singapore before the event and spend a few days together then.”
Martin regularly trains at Horsham Lanes and Games with business owner Wayne Watkins acknowledging Martin’s hard work and determination.
“She has played for Victoria the last two years and is now in the team to represent Australia in Taiwan,” he said.
“It’s a huge opportunity and she is very dedicated to her bowling. She bowls Tuesday nights in Horsham and I think the whole centre is behind her.”
Mr Watkins said the achievement was more remarkable considering Martin’s young age.
“There’s one other player in the team who is 15 and the others are all older,” he said.
“She will have a few more years to keep developing.”
Mr Watkins said Martin regularly attends tournaments across the country to keep improving.
Competing at the weekend, Martin came third at the Queensland Junior Cup.
“There are certain tournaments we go to so she gets to compete against better competition and keeps her name up there,” Mr Watkins said.
“It gives her a profile and third in Queensland is the best she has done.”
As part of the team Martin will have access to quality coaching and training staff.
“There are some Victorian and Australian coaches that will help her out which is great,” Mr Watkins said.
