The fifth athlete in the Youth Bowling Spotlight is 11 years old Rebecca Thorpe of Madison Heights YBC in Essex.
1. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your sport so far, and how did you overcome it?
I like to face challenges head-on, as I try to believe that “nothing will beat me”, especially when it comes to bowling! Even though I may get beat on the Lanes, I try not to get beat inside my head (although my face sometimes doesn’t show it!!), but it motivates me, and a challenge gives me an opportunity to try harder.
I have to say though, that my biggest challenge is my age, size and strength, to be perfectly honest. I’m competing in the U13 Girls division at the moment, but I’m proud to say my average takes me into a higher “average-based” division than my years, so can often be competing on the tour with much older, experienced, taller and stronger athletes. Whilst I don’t “place” at many tournaments, I am gaining the valuable ranking points, and that is what maintains my focus, to keep at the top in my age division, and to get to the Masters.
I strive to be the best that I can be, and I am currently leading my age group. I overcome the challenges of competing with older and stronger athletes by telling myself, that despite my size, I am in the average bracket for a reason – because my bowling performance and results have put me there! This motivates me… so, to be the best, I have to compete alongside the best!
2. Can you tell us about a time you made a mistake or had a tough loss? What did you learn from it?
I had a tough game in the Youth Intercounties this year in Chesterfield in my first game in the U13 division. I went with the high expectations of doing well but was annoyed with myself at finishing the Game 1 with a 116, which I knew was a score that should have been better, and that I know I’m capable of.
Frame by frame I could see the score wasn’t going to be anywhere near my average, and I started to then overthink things. The coach was lovely and reassuring, but after the game I requested that I sit out from the next game, to allow myself time to re-group, focus, relax and roll a few balls on the practice lane. I was then called back to play Game 3 and came back with a 197 (followed by a 156 ,193 and 168, then finishing with a tired 128). I bowled 6 of the 8 games, but I was pleased with myself that I showed a bit of maturity, discussed with my coach my feelings, and opted to request to take myself off for a game. I felt that was a turning point for me, I learned about myself at that moment, how to realise when things aren’t right, and what you can do to overcome things… that it’s about teamplay, I was playing for the team, and not just for myself.
3. How do you handle the pressure or nerves before a big match or competition?
I try not to really get nervous about competing in all honesty, although I do have a certain feeling of slight edginess as I prepare myself on the lanes prior to practice. This soon fades when it isgame time though!
When I see athletes on the lanes with me getting big scores, I turn any pressure that I am feeling into determination. The determination then generally turns the pressure into competitiveness!
4. What is the main reason you love bowling?
I absolutely love bowling, as it’s not only me against others, it’s also me against me… it can be very individual with your scoring, but also involves great teamwork. I love the fact you can bowl with lots ofdifferent ages and categories alongside you. It’s a very social sport and has enabled me to make friends across several YBCs.
5. What drives you to get up, train, and put in the work on days when you don’t feel like it?
I am very busy at it is with school, and various activities such as Gymnastics, Tag Rugby, Hockey, Choir and Guides. I take part in YBC on a Saturday, practice on a Thursday then around 2 out of 3 Mondays bowl in an adult doubles league. I sometimes go to a Wednesday night drop-in league too. When it comes to bowling, I rarely need motivation but if I do feel a bit tired, I just think to myself that if I want to see results, I have to put the work in. On the odd occasion that I do need a bit of motivation, that soon disappears when I get to see my bowling friends and get myself on the lanes!
6. What are your short-term goals for this season, and where do you see yourself in your sport in the next few years?
My short-term goals for this season, is to get to the Tour Masters in first place, and to place in the Masters itself. Also, to finish somewhere in my YBC League. My goal too, is to just get better, more consistent, increase my ball speed but most of all, to perfect my technique. As one of my mentors said to me recently, that there’sstill plenty of time for me to be throwing heavy balls down the lane, so just keep doing what I am doing for now, and it will all come together. In the longer term, it is to achieve more in terms of results and recognition for the effort I put in. The aspiration would be to, one day, have the England shirt on my back. I know I need to work for that reward, but that’s exactly what having goals is all about.
7. How would your teammates or coaches describe you?
I would hope my teammates and coaches would think I’m a hard worker, a motivator and someone who is willing to watch, listen, learn and grow. I hope I’m also a bit of fun too… having a laugh, a joke, and a giggle is all part of the process too. If I can make someone laugh or be a bit silly, then I think that’s a good thing. I’malso loyal too, I like to help people and ensure everyone around me is OK. I often get praised at school for being a kind-hearted person, so I’ll take that… I think it’s a good quality to have.
8. Aside from bowling, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
The little free time I have, I enjoy just having a bit of a chill. I enjoy spending time with friends, and that’s where I’m lucky, that bowling and everything else I do has widened my circle of friends and given me confidence. I enjoy Hockey, Guides, Tag Rugby, and Gymnastics so all in all, I’m really quite busy – thankfully my parents ‘taxi service’ is always on hand, and I do appreciate them running me about!
9. Is there an athlete, coach, or mentor you look up to, and why?
The athletes I look up to are for the girls, Verity Crawley and Nora Johannson. As a bowler watching them, makes you want to carry ondoing what you’re doing.
Dom Barrett is someone who I very much look up to, he’s very generous and helpful with his advice and tips. Of course, it goes without saying, that my coaches at Madison Heights YBC, I respect their dedication for all they do, and they encourage me immensely, for which I’m very grateful for. Another superhero for me, is Lee Cocker from Romford Strike Zone Pro Shop. He’s very much a big part of my bowling journey, not only with being able to get me the equipment I need, but also with the words of advice, encouragementand the massive help he provides. I’m very lucky to have great people around me, and all of whom support me and treat me as an equal, who listen to me, as well as mentor me.
10. What advice would you give to another young person who wants to start tenpin bowling?
Just go for it, it’s such a fun sport and gives you an opportunity to meet some brilliant people.
A great piece of advice would be patience! When starting out, you get to your YBC and see everyone getting strikes, spares and pins flying about, and of course you want to do the same! However, patience is the key to success. Be prepared to get balls in the gutter, and not see the scores you’re wanting to straight away. Persevere and don’t get upset. Practice and master your technique, get the basics first, learn the sport, and keep watching and absorbing everything you see and hear from your fellow bowlers and the coaches. Be patient. Don’t rush. The best advice I can give, is that it is not a sprint, take your time. There is no rush to get out there and get loads of new equipment straight away when you’re still learning the basics. Once you’re comfortable and know yourself, your ball weight, whether you’re going to be 1 or 2 handed etc, then invest is some equipment. Patience will pay dividends in my opinion.
Most importantly though, is whether you’re wanting to compete or just bowl for fun, make sure you enjoy yourself. If you’re enjoying what you are doing, then everything else will fall into place!
