Local athlete takes nationals by storm
"Linsay was magnificent and won her first gold medal on one of the biggest stages S.A bowls has to offer,"
In the world of para sports, stories of unexpected journeys and triumphs often stand out as testament to the human spirit, resilience and adaptability.
One such tale is that of paraplegic athlete, Linsay Engelbrecht, who represented South Africa at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham for triathlon.
According to Edenvale Bowls Club committee member Raymond Pieters, her transition from being a visually impaired triathlete to becoming a lawn bowls enthusiast, with sport classification B3, captured the hearts of many.
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He said just over seven months ago Linsay took up the challenging sport of lawn bowls.
“With a number excellent coaches at the club, Dawn Buchanan took Linsay under her wing and with the assistance of Brian Sayce, she has turned into a super star,” said Pieters.
He explained that visually impaired bowlers play alongside directors. The director guides the bowler, giving line and length.
Pieters said Deon Engelbrecht has proven to be spot on with his calling as director.
“So confident were Linsay and Deon of their partnership they felt they could justify entering the SA Nationals for Disabled Bowlers held in Cape Town,” said Pieters.
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“This after bowling for only seven months.”
The championships were held in March. The final of the B3 ladies singles was contested between Linsay and experienced Protea star bowler Princess Schroeder.
“Linsay was magnificent and won her first gold medal on one of the biggest stages that SA Bowls has to offer,” said Pieters.
However, Linsay was not done yet. She and Schroeder teamed up to win gold in the pairs category, securing two golds in her first competition.
Pieters said with this achievement the bowling world has been introduced to an upcoming star.
