Two ten pin bowlers from Logan have won medals at the world youth championships in Malaysia, defeating teams with funded training programs and matching equipment.
Jackson Buckingham won gold in the men’s team event at the International Bowling Federation World Youth Championships – the first gold for the men’s team in 20 years – while Bella Westklake picked up a bronze medal in the women’s team event, which was the first women’s team medal in 22 years.
The pair were part of an eight-strong Australian squad.
Australia’s men began qualifying outside the medal positions after opening with a score of 155.
They recovered to qualify sixth, then won six of seven head-to-head games to top their match-play group and earn a semi-final against the United States. Australia swept the Americans 246–234 and 197–187.
Standing between the men’s team and gold was a Czech side chasing its third consecutive world youth title, but Australia won a three-pin thriller before overpowering the defending champions in the second game.
As victory became certain, Buckingham and teammates Blake Walsh, Julian Dinham and Nicholas Rajkovic erupted on the lanes — they were world champions, having defeated the Czech team 240–237 and 249–192 in the final.
Westlake’s path to bronze carried its own rollercoaster.
Australia’s women — Westlake, Brianna Walsh, Emily Hart and Samantha Clifton — finished 14th among the 16 teams advancing from qualifying and initially believed their campaign was over.
The women transformed in match play, winning five of seven games to top their group and reach the semi-finals, where they received bronze after being defeated by the United States.
“Going from thinking we barely made it to winning a medal — for most of us, our first medal overseas — it was amazing,” Westlake said.
Australian team manager Janine Buckingham said the difference between Australia and some rival programs became clear after they arrived.
“They were fitted from shoes to socks. Even the bowling bags all matched them.
“Then our Australians walked in and we were all mixed up,” Ms Buckingham said.
The Australian athletes paid their own travel and accommodation costs.
Buckingham and Westklake have now nominated for an Australian adult team expected to compete in Germany in October.
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