TWO Logan tenpin bowlers have been chosen to represent Australia in “the Olympics” of the sport.
Jesse Ellis, 25, and Jackson Buckingham, 19, are two of six people across the country who will travel to Hong Kong in November to battle it out against the best of the best at the 2025 International Bowling Federation World Championships.
Don’t be fooled by the men’s youth – they are seasoned competitors who have dominated local, state, national and even international competitions over recent years.
Now is their chance to shine at the sport’s highest level.
“It’s pretty incredible, considering it’s one of the biggest events in the world,” Mr Buckingham.
Mr Buckingham has been bowling at an elite level since he was a child.
Last year, at age 18, the Slacks Creek local was outshining professionals in the USA and shattering 44-year-old records at the local alley.
“This is my first adult international event representing Australia,” he said.
“It’s a good feeling. I’m more excited than anything. The hard work is paying off.”
Mr Ellis is also no stranger to success. But to get to this point, it has taken dedication and resilience.
“This is my first Australian team ever. You’re always going to have a little bit of nerves, but it is more the excitement you get to bowl for your country,” Mr Ellis said.
“This is my sixth year in the national training squad. During the couple of years during Covid, I probably would have made the youth team. But unfortunately we couldn’t travel.
“But it is good to finally get that result and represent Australia.”
The Australia team selection process was tough, only open to athletes in the country’s high-performing squads who performed consistently at national and international levels.
Tenpin Bowling Australia CEO Kurt Wilson said selection to the Australian team is “one of the highest honours in sport”.
But for the local competitors, it’s also the chance to make a name for Logan.
“I’ve known Jackson for about seven years. I knew him before he started getting right into bowling, so I’ve seen him the whole way and seen him progress,” Mr Ellis said.
“We are one third of the male team. It’s pretty crazy we came from the same centre.”
Mr Ellis and Mr Buckingham are funding their trip to the championships in Hong Kong through fundraising.
To pitch in, contact the Logan City Tenpin via 3209 2255 or theteam@logantenpin.com.au.
