GBS
More than a newbie
Hall of Fame – The Proudest Tenpin Moment
Ann-Maree Putney receives ultimate accolade
Lake Macquarie tenpin sports star Ann-Maree Putney has been honored by an announcement today that she is to be inducted into the international World Tenpin Hall of Fame.
Conducted by the World Bowling Writers Association, Chicago - based representative Keith Hale said that Putney received 90% of this year’s vote which was a near record.
Twenty five years devotion to bowling, two (2) World Championships and three (3) Commonwealth Championship GOLD medals Putney was thrilled with the news. “I am amazed that they would select me, I just can’t believe it.” Putney said to her long time coach and good friend Geoff Bowness.
Putney’s career haul of eight (8) GOLD, ten (10) SILVER and nine (9) BRONZE medals at world level is seen as a truly remarkable result and is of iconic proportions.
In 1999 Putney’s career changed forever when crowned World FIQ Tenpin Masters Champion in Abu Dhabi.
As 2002, 2005 and 2006 arrived Putney challenged the world as she collected three (3) straight GOLD medals at the Commonwealth Championships. This would prove to be an excellent hunting ground across Scotland, Cyprus and Australia as Putney bagged further six (6) SILVER and six (6) BRONZE medals.
One of her greatest thrills came in 2007 when Putney won the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup in St Petersburg, Russia. Then in 2008 Putney came within a whisker of winning back to back World Cups in Hermosillo, Mexico with an outstanding second placed finish.
The Women’s World Championships with 100 countries competing and the Asian Zone Championships have also proven to be a place for winning.
I once asked Putney what she considered to be her stand out awards “off the lanes”. The reply came with a knot in her throat, “Definitely the Lake Macquarie Sportsperson Award in 2000 and the Prime Ministers Letter of Congratulations from year’s ago.” she replied.
A perfect answer for an Australian elite athlete who has been a part of the Australian Women’s Team every year since 1991, has thirty nine (39) top five finishes at world competition level and seventy one (71) career victories. Putney’s ongoing support from Brunswick Australia and Ron Bickerstaff allows her to perform to her best ability with world class bowling equipment.
Putney will be awarded the 2008 Hall of Fame plaque at the Lake Macquarie Sports Awards, February 7th at the Belmont 16’ Sailing Club by World Bowling Writers Asian Zone Vice President, Lynne Clay.
With twelve years still to go before becoming a senior competitor, Putney was asked about retirement and the future.
Her answer was a swift as she knocks down tenpins “Retirement - Not anytime soon.” was her smiling response.
Putney signed off with “I thought winning at world level for Australia was the pinnacle of success, but this is just a whole new experience. I am humbled.”
Geoff Bowness
One very proud coach and ball driller
Ann-Maree Putney receives ultimate accolade
Lake Macquarie tenpin sports star Ann-Maree Putney has been honored by an announcement today that she is to be inducted into the international World Tenpin Hall of Fame.
Conducted by the World Bowling Writers Association, Chicago - based representative Keith Hale said that Putney received 90% of this year’s vote which was a near record.
Twenty five years devotion to bowling, two (2) World Championships and three (3) Commonwealth Championship GOLD medals Putney was thrilled with the news. “I am amazed that they would select me, I just can’t believe it.” Putney said to her long time coach and good friend Geoff Bowness.
Putney’s career haul of eight (8) GOLD, ten (10) SILVER and nine (9) BRONZE medals at world level is seen as a truly remarkable result and is of iconic proportions.
In 1999 Putney’s career changed forever when crowned World FIQ Tenpin Masters Champion in Abu Dhabi.
As 2002, 2005 and 2006 arrived Putney challenged the world as she collected three (3) straight GOLD medals at the Commonwealth Championships. This would prove to be an excellent hunting ground across Scotland, Cyprus and Australia as Putney bagged further six (6) SILVER and six (6) BRONZE medals.
One of her greatest thrills came in 2007 when Putney won the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup in St Petersburg, Russia. Then in 2008 Putney came within a whisker of winning back to back World Cups in Hermosillo, Mexico with an outstanding second placed finish.
The Women’s World Championships with 100 countries competing and the Asian Zone Championships have also proven to be a place for winning.
I once asked Putney what she considered to be her stand out awards “off the lanes”. The reply came with a knot in her throat, “Definitely the Lake Macquarie Sportsperson Award in 2000 and the Prime Ministers Letter of Congratulations from year’s ago.” she replied.
A perfect answer for an Australian elite athlete who has been a part of the Australian Women’s Team every year since 1991, has thirty nine (39) top five finishes at world competition level and seventy one (71) career victories. Putney’s ongoing support from Brunswick Australia and Ron Bickerstaff allows her to perform to her best ability with world class bowling equipment.
Putney will be awarded the 2008 Hall of Fame plaque at the Lake Macquarie Sports Awards, February 7th at the Belmont 16’ Sailing Club by World Bowling Writers Asian Zone Vice President, Lynne Clay.
With twelve years still to go before becoming a senior competitor, Putney was asked about retirement and the future.
Her answer was a swift as she knocks down tenpins “Retirement - Not anytime soon.” was her smiling response.
Putney signed off with “I thought winning at world level for Australia was the pinnacle of success, but this is just a whole new experience. I am humbled.”
Geoff Bowness
One very proud coach and ball driller
