Carla is a lawn bowls player from Inverurie who is proud to represent Scotland and always aims to give her best on the green. Playing for my country drives her to keep improving and chasing success. She has also been lucky enough to play in Australia on several occasion which has inspired her to keep pushing for more.
I've grown up around the sport, bowls has always been a big part of family life, it's something we all share a love for. My whole family play, from watching them all as a kid, naturally I wanted in on the action. When my brother got selected for the u17 Scotland team, that was the moment that inspired me to go further with the sport.
I play outdoors at Inverurie Bowling Club and indoors at Garioch Indoor Bowling Club. Both clubs have been a huge part of my bowls journey. Having these facilities in the local community helps so much with being able to practice on my door step and have competitive matches. It is so important that we keep these clubs going for future generations to enjoy the sport as much as I do - whether that is socially or competitively.
Balancing bowls, work and time to relax with friends and family can be a challenge, but it is something I've learned to manage over the years. I make sure to stay organised and keep time for the things that matter most - training, competing and also switching off when I need to. Having a good balance helps me stay focused and enjoy the sport even more. It's not always easy, but finding the rhythm between bowls and everyday life has made me stronger both on and off the green.
This year is massive, the main focus is to continue progressing through the Scotland Performance pathway and pushing to make the shortlist up for selection for the next Commonwealth Games. In order to achieve this, I am aiming to do well in World Bowls Tour events - I was delighted to win a qualifier in the World Pairs with my dad, which made it more special. The goal now is to build on that momentum, keep improving, and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
My training is all about quality over quantity. I've found that short, intense, and focused sessions work best for me - they keep my bowling sharp without burning the candle at both ends. Time is a big factor, so it's about finding the right balance between staying fit, maintaining my form, and still having space to switch off and stay focused for work. It's a routine that keeps me motivated, consistent and ready to perform at my best.
Teamwork, patience, and determination are at the heart of how I play. Working well with others is a big part of the sport, and I always try to bring a positive attitude on and off the green. Patience helps me stay calm under pressure, while determination keeps me pushing to improve and achieve my goals. Together, these skills have helped me grow as both a player and a teammate.
Bowls has a packed calendar with so many great competitions throughout the year. I've got a test match against Australia in October, which is a big part of the Commonwealth Games selection process. I'll also be competing in the World Bowls Tour finals at Potters in January after winning a qualifier with my dad - a really special moment! On top of that, there are national, regional, British Isles and club competitions that keep the year full and exciting. It's a busy schedule, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Setbacks are part of bowls, and I've learned to use them as opportunities to improve. I love reflecting on games to identify what I can work on to ensure success next time. Long weekends at World Bowls Tour qualifiers have taught me practical lessons - like the importance of staying hydrated and fueled, and looking after my body every single day so I can focus fully on bowls during competition.
My biggest inspiration is my brother, Jason. His focus and determination on the green are incredible - nothing seems to faze him, and he just gets on with it. He's also achieved so much in bowls, from winning national titles at a young age to becoming a 3 x World Champion this year. Beyond his success, he's down-to-earth, modest and a genuinely nice guy. Watching him motivates me every day, both in bowls and life.
Being selected for the World Championships in Australia 2023 was a dream come true. Coming home with a bronze medal with the girls was an incredible experience. At the time, I wished it had been a different colour, but reflecting on it now, it's something I'm truly proud of and a moment that motivates me to keep pushing for more.
Another notable highlight was winning the female qualifier to represent Scotland in the Youth Commonwealth Games in Samoa - this was a massive experience which has helped shaped who I am today.
I stay motivated by focusing on my goals - winning that title, representing Scotland, trying to get selected for Commonwealth Games. Keeping these ambitions in mind helps me give my best in every training session and stay committed to improving.
Be patient and give it time - you might not enjoy it straight away, but the more you try, the better you'll get and the more fun it becomes. Sport is such a wonderful thing, not just for staying active, but for meeting people and socialising.
This will help me use the gym and facilities more frequently. Improving my strength, staying fit and being the best version of myself for competition. It is a vital part of making sure I'm ready to perform at the highest level.
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