Sport
19 August, 2026
Golden girls
SOUTH Johnstone lawn bowler Louise Hoskins has made Commonwealth Games history, becoming the oldest competitor and gold medallist after a thrilling victory in the para women’s pairs B6-B8 classification in Glasgow earlier this month.
Ms Hoskins, aged 76, and her partner Serena Bonnell produced a remarkable comeback to defeat reigning world champions Julie O’Connell and Teri Blackbourn of New Zealand. The Kiwis opened strongly with three shots, but the Australians fought back, winning the next three ends to take a 5-3 lead into the last end of the first set. Ms Hoskins delivered a brilliant final bowl, holding the jack to secure the opener and put Australia in a commanding position.
The second set looked destined for a tiebreaker when New Zealand pushed ahead 4-1.
Under immense pressure, Ms Bonnell delivered what Hoskins described as “the bowl of the games,” threading a narrow gap and trailing the jack perfectly to give Australia three points, tying the set and sealing a 6-3, 4-4 win.
“It was surreal watching Serena’s last bowl,” Ms Hoskins said.
“I could see the line was spot on as soon as it left her hand. I couldn’t believe we had won, I was in total shock, had a little cry, and then we were thrown straight into interviews.”
Ms Hoskins became the oldest Commonwealth Games medallist, a record previously held by Scotland’s George Miller, who won gold at age 75 in para mixed bowls in 2022.
“My selection came as a total surprise at my age,” she said.
“I was so proud to represent Australia. I tried to stay calm, but with the big screens, noise and atmosphere, it was a challenge.”
Ms Hoskins’ journey to gold is extraordinary. A lifelong athlete, she played basketball, netball, squash, indoor cricket, swimming and water polo before suffering a rare spinal injury, Cauda Equina Syndrome in 2009 after complications from surgery, leaving her facing life in a wheelchair.
Determined to stay active, she began hydrotherapy and swimming, and with encouragement from her partner, coach and carer Kevin Foord, took up lawn bowls.
Col Neyland from Marlin Coast Bowls Club first introduced Hoskins to para bowls.
“After my injury, lawn bowls has been the best therapy,” she said.
“Over the years, I have formed many friendships.
“Age is no barrier to my friendship with Serena which spans more than 13 years.
“We have a great bond and always have each other’s backs both on and off the green.”
Ms Hoskins competes in the sporting wheelies B7 classification for bowlers with spinal injuries and uses a special support stick to stabilise her body when delivering the bowl.
She trains two to three times a week with Mr Foord, her partner of over 30 years, completing drills set by Bowls Australia, and adapting her routine during weeks of persistent rain by exercising at home and attending hydro pool sessions.
A member of South Johnstone Bowls Club since 2012, Ms Hoskins is also a dual member of Innisfail and Edmonton clubs, where she plays to compete against stronger fields.
Now back home, Ms Hoskins is savouring the moment.
“Soon the nationals team will be announced and hopefully Serena and I will be selected to compete in Perth,” she said. “I never think about age as bowls is for all ages and abilities, so just get out, give it a go and never give up.”
Read More: Cassowary Coast