Veteran Nelson lawn bowler Jo Edwards says she will relish the pinnacle of her sport – a world championships – being held in Christchurch from November 29 to December 11.
The 46-year-old from the United Club is part of a strong Nelson presence in the New Zealand Black Jacks bowls team that will take on the rest of the world at Christchurch’s Burnside Bowling Club.
She will be joined by fellow Nelsonians Val Smith, Ali Forsyth, Kirsten Edwards and Shannon McIlroy – with all but Shannon being produced by the United Club.
“I know there are international journalists coming over for the tournament who want to make a special trip to Nelson just to try to get a feel for why we produce such good lawn bowlers so consistently.”
Jo is entering her fourth World Championships, the same as long time team mate and rival, Val.
The pair are poised to bring up 500 caps for New Zealand during the event.
She has won it all in a sport she first decided to play “for only one season” in 1992.
“Val and I played cricket together, she was in the seventh form and I was in the third form.
“We also played soccer and that was our first love, but we decided we’d try bowls and the rest is history.”
Jo says she has always rated World Championship success higher than Commonwealth Games glory, but admits the public probably see it differently.
“When I won the Commonwealth Games I got a brass band at Nelson Airport to welcome me home, but when I won the World Championships I got my Mum and a couple of family members.”
Jo says having home advantage is a plus as the team, which is in camp, has the chance to train in the conditions.
She says with home advantage there is pressure.
“New Zealand has some of the fastest greens in the world, especially compared to the Northern Hemisphere, where they also play a lot indoors.
“It’s an advantage being at home but that also raises the stakes.
“People have expectations but then again, as a squad, we have our own expectations and they are high.”
Jo says she will continue to play for New Zealand as long as the passion remains.
The sport is far from professional but Jo says the benefits are still there.
“I generally think about my options after a World Championships or Commonwealth Games because you have to be able to commit to another two year cycle.
“It does cost a lot for us to go around the world and represent New Zealand but we get treated well, our uniforms are nice which not all countries can say is the case and we are looked after in terms of preparation and comfort.”
The emergence of sport psychology is one aspect Jo has had to get used to.
“When I first started it wasn’t really a thing, but it’s grown in importance and value and I just try to adapt. I’ve found it useful and certainly learnt a lot from it.”
Jo is set to move to Brisbane in the New Year which makes the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast all the more appealing.
