Local blind bowler has a lust for life

In 1986, at the age of 17, Smith was involved in an accident that caused her to lose her sight. She was blind instantly as the jelly flowed out of her eyes. At the time she thought her life was over. How will she care for herself, not to mention her one-year-old daughter?

However, she learned how to walk, cook and read Braille – basic things a person does daily. This was when things started to change. While being trained in switchboard operation, she met someone who introduced her to lawn bowls in 1990, with her mom directing her. With this help, she has made a big name for herself in the world of lawn bowls.

In 1999 she met her now husband Tommy who took over directing her. In 2001 she took part in her first lawn bowls competition and won both singles and pairs and she was chosen to play for the South African team.

This year she has once again won the gold medal for singles and silver for pairs at the SA Championships. Tommy explained there are different categories for blind players. Smith is in the B1 category which means the players are unable to see anything. They are currently also in the group to be chosen for next year’s team, however, the final results haven’t been revealed yet. He continued to say this was the first year men and women played against each other in the SA Championship and his wife still walked away the winner.

He explained when he started directing her, he asked what her goals were, to which she answered she wants to win a gold medal at the SA Champs, which she did in 2001. From 2004 in Malaysia, where she won gold for both singles and pairs to 2014, she was once again on a winning streak

“She has a very impressive record, I think she has the best record of any blind player in the world,” said Tommy.

He noted that he believed their success can largely be attributed to their connection as husband and wife.

He added there is a big need for blind players in bowling as the numbers are declining. He adds even though it is a social sport people should know there is a future in bowling, it is also competitive. They even play against those who can see. Smith has been a champion in numerous competitions all over the world. She has also received her SA colours and they can travel the world. They have been to Australia, New Zealand, England, and as mentioned, Malaysia. He noted one country they hope to visit is Israel as they are one of the strongest countries when it comes to bowling.

“If only other visually impaired would try, they would see they would enjoy it so much. I even play against those who can see and they accept us. It is a fun challenge and when you win, it feels great to accomplish something you want for yourself,” Tracey explained.

Aside from bowling, she also tried her hand at lifting weights and goalball, which she describes as a rather hard sport. Tommy explains she is also a rather gifted singer. They took part in a few karaoke competitions where she also won.

“But bowling is my big love, you meet many people if you play social, and it’s fun laughing together. It is very nice,” said Tracey.

To prospective bowlers, she stated: “You can reach so much in bowling, especially for us who are blind and disabled. I never thought I would get this far, but when I met Tommy he started teaching me other tactics of the game and that is where everything changed.”

The couple has been married for 23 years. She has three children from a previous marriage and he has four.
“We have a large family,” laughed Tracey. She added her children are her greatest blessing.

She explained that she is still able to do all the things everyone else does. She cooks, irons, does her own makeup, and dresses herself. Tommy explains she knows every piece of clothing in her closet and he only needs to describe which piece he is holding and she will decide what to wear. She only helps where she needs someone to lead her from one place to another.

“Tracey did something to let her life go on, as a young girl of 17 years she continued with her life. She lives her life to the fullest,” concluded Tommy.