TATHRA bowler James Reynolds is officially a Commonwealth Games athlete once more.
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Reynolds was given preliminary selection in February (BDN, 21/2), but had to take on the Trans Tasman before anything would be confirmed.
In an interview before the Trans Tasman Reynolds said “it is all in our hands now”.
A month later, the team emerged victorious from the Trans Tasman and Reynolds and his two other disabled team-mates have all made the cut.
Reynolds will be joined in the in disabled body triples event by Tim Slater and Anthony Bonnell.
Reynolds said he had experience playing with, and against, the two bowlers and they are both very capable.
“He [Bonnell] beat me last year in the Australian singles final, so he’s obviously pretty handy to say the least,” Reynolds said.
The trio will form part of the 17-person strong Australian contingent, which includes two vision impaired bowlers and their guides.
Reynolds has been training hard for years to make selection and has been inundated with comments and support on his Facebook page.
On Tuesday, Reynolds posted on his Facebook.
“Well I just walked off the green to a ton of awesome messages from everyone.
“So yes I've been extremely blessed to be one of the many Jackaroos selected for the Commonwealth Games.”
Meanwhile, Merimbula professional bowler and former Victorian captain Michael Wilks had this to say.
“You’ve worked hard to earn the honour and I'm sure I can say the whole Sapphire Coast bowls community is very proud of your achievement.”
Australian bowling coach Steve Glasson led the team to Silver in the Delhi Games in 2010 and was looking to strengthen the result.
Glasson said the squad would be looking to replicate its 2012 world championships result where it won five gold and two silver out of a possible eight.
“Australia have had a successful 18 months or so in international competition, but we are under no illusion that the Games competition will be intense and we need to be as prepared as we can,” Glasson said
“The team is unchanged from the one that defeated New Zealand at the recent Trans-Tasman test which is testament to the way the team performed at that event recently.”