78 | Preparing for Glasgow with Kelsey Cottrell, Selina Goddard & Teri Blackbourn
Episode 78 - Preparing for Glasgow with Kelsey Cottrell, Selina Goddard & Teri Blackbourn
The Road to Glasgow continues as DJ sits down with three of the leading women in international bowls: Australia’s Kelsey Cottrell and New Zealand representatives Selina Goddard and Teri Blackbourn.
Kelsey is preparing for her fourth Commonwealth Games after previously winning bronze, silver and gold on the Commonwealth stage. She discusses the challenge of earning selection in a reduced Australian squad, balancing international competition with family life and preparing to skip under the pressure of a 30-second shot clock.
She also explains why her preparation has become highly specific, from practising on carpet and using her Glasgow bowls to working on quick decision-making, pre-shot routines and the tactical demands of the shortened format.
Selina returns to Glasgow, where she made her Commonwealth Games debut in 2014. She shares why her preparation remains firmly process-focused rather than outcome-focused and explains the importance of adaptability, deliberately practising on unfamiliar rinks and making every minute of limited preparation time count.
Teri prepares for her first Commonwealth Games after an incredible rise through the outdoor game, which has already included a world championship and a World Cup singles silver medal. She discusses balancing bowls with work and family, the value of her indoor bowls background and what it means to have her two boys travelling to Glasgow to support her.
Simon and DJ then break down the major lessons club bowlers can take from these elite athletes, including:
• Being event-specific with your practice
• Focusing on your process rather than the result
• Training yourself to adapt quickly
• Changing rinks, lengths and conditions during practice
• Preparing for the pressure moments before they arrive
• Trusting your technique and established routines
• Making every bowl count in a shortened format
With the Glasgow Commonwealth Games fast approaching, this episode provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at the preparation, sacrifice and mindset required to compete on one of bowls’ biggest stages.
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