Golden girl of bowls hits big milestone

Witpoortjie — Tracy Smith, a passionate and talented visually impaired bowler, has once again proven her exceptional skill and dedication on the greens.

At the Bowls South Africa National Championship for the Disabled 2025, held in Johannesburg earlier this April, Tracy secured a gold medal in both the ladies singles and mixed pairs categories, making her the overall champion for the 20th time.

Assisted by her husband and director Tommy Smith, the pair dominated the competition, showcasing their impressive teamwork and expertise.

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Tracy expressed her joy and satisfaction with the achievement, saying, “I’m very happy with this achievement, and it makes me feel like I’m reaching for my dreams. My goal in the coming years is to be one of the best blind bowlers in the world.”

Tracy’s journey to becoming a bowling legend began after losing her sight in a tragic accident in 1986. Despite the initial setback, she discovered her passion for bowling in 1991 and has since excelled in the B1 category (completely blind). With Tommy’s guidance and support, Tracy has collected an impressive array of medals, including 11 world titles.

“She is the golden girl of visually impaired bowls, and I’m happy for her for achieving this milestone,” said Tommy.

He plays a crucial role in her success, serving not only as her director but also as her coach, ensuring she’s perfectly positioned and aligned correctly during competitions.

As they look to the future, Tracy and Tommy are already setting their sights on the World Bowls Championships in 2027.