Feature Articles

Hazel Muller: Why I Love Bowls!

If you thought the sport of Bowls was for "old
people", then think again! South
Africa’s youth are fast realising that it’s
an exciting sport and they’re excelling at it, too. Hazel Muller, who turns 20
next month, is one of the top 12 junior bowlers in South Africa. She took up bowls at
the age of 14 and hasn’t looked back.

This talented young woman from Klerksdorp in the North
West is due to tour the Cape from
January 10-20 with other youngsters to promote Youth Bowls.

She has also been chosen to participate in the South
African Junior Masters, which take place at Wingate Bowling Club in Pretoria, from the 14^th
to the 17^th of February, where the best players have been chosen to
play against each other.

Hazel, who is part of the National U/25 silver squad and a
member of the North West U/25 team, spoke to gsport about her love for
Bowls, why it’s taking off among youth, and her personal aspirations for her
bowls career.

North West’s Hazel Muller is one of South Africa’s top 12 junior bowlers, and is passionate about promoting Youth Bowls among young South Africans.

Hazel, when
did you take up Bowls and what drew you to the sport?

I was 14 years old. My father told us about night
bowls (when you play at night under flood lights), and I decided to try it out,
there I fell in love with the sport.

What
are the basics of Bowls?

A fellowship sport with a perfect delivery, the
winner will be decided by the bowl closest to the jack.

What
do you enjoy most about the sport in the few years you’ve been playing?

Young bowlers and old bowlers, male and female,
of all color, play together for the love of the game. Each game you play is
different and each opponent tests your skills to the limit.

What
have been some of your highlights since you took up the sport?

I was selected for the national u/25 silver squad
(almost like a upcoming springbok).

I was selected to play in the South African Junior
Masters for two years now

Who
are some of the Bowls stars you admire and why?

Lorna Trigwell – She is recently ranked number 1,
and has been a Springbok bowler for a couple of years now.

How
often do you train and what does your training entail?

3 – 4 times a week, physical fitness as well as
skills training programs to be practised on a weekly basis.

Hazel will join other top junior bowlers when she participates at the South African Junior Masters in Pretoria, during the middle of February.

What
events are you most looking forward to participating in 2008?

The silver squad tour in January from the 10^th
to the 20^th we will be touring the Cape, the idea of the tour is to
promote youth bowls and show that bowl is no longer just for old people.

And the South African Junior Master held at Wingate
Bowling Club in Pretoria,
from the 14^th to the 17^th of February, where the best
players have been chosen to play against each other.

Which
national and provincial teams are you currently a member of?

I’m a member of the National U/25 silver squad and I
am a member of the North West U/25 team.

Why
do you think Bowls is taking off among the youth in South Africa?

Because all bowlers are currently trying to promote
youth bowls and many have started school leagues to bring bowls to the youth.
And development has become our number one goal.

What more could be done to further encourage young people to take up
Bowls as a sport?

The idea that bowls is an old man’s sport has to be
stopped and this sport should be seen as a sport for all ages, male and female
can participate together, but the best of all is a player with a disability can
also play as bowls is a non contact sport.

What
advice do you have for young women who would like to take up Bowls as a sport?

This is a game where male and female can play and
strength is not a factor.

Hazel’s favourite bowler is South Africa’s world number one Lorna Trigwell, who will lead the SA team at the World Bowls Champs in New Zealand early in January.

How
does your family feel about your passion for Bowls?

They encourage me to follow my dreams, they too play
so they happily train with me, my family stands by me whenever I play a game
and helps me financially.

What
is your favourite quote that inspires you?

Impossible is just a big word, thrown around by
small men.

Impossible is potential,

Impossible is temporary,

Impossible is nothing

What
is the biggest challenge you face as a woman playing Bowls?

As a young female bowler I need people to understand
that I can play the game just as well as my fellow male bowlers.

What
are your long term goals with regards to Bowls?

My goal is to become a Springbok and represent my
country and to be the best!!

Got a Comment on this Article? Leave your thoughts below. Otherwise, read on:

Want to see your SA Girl’s Sporting Focus Published on gsport? Tell gsport HERE!

Clinique Feature Articles Page