Hunt for gold continues down the generations

SBS World News Radio: Carla Krizanic's ancestors came to Australia from Italy over a century ago, seeking riches on the goldfields of Victoria.Now, the lawn bowls world champion is in search of gold herself as she gears up for next year's Commonwealth Games.

Hunt for gold continues down the generationsHunt for gold continues down the generations

Hunt for gold continues down the generations

Carla Krizanic's family left Italy to seek their fortune on the Australian goldfields in the mid-19th century.

Fast-forward several generations and their descendant is also chasing gold, on fields of another kind.

"Definitely searching for gold at the Commonwealth Games ... Maybe it's a family thing, we all like gold!"

That's where lawn bowls comes into the equation.

"It's a game of skill, touch and patience, a true revealer of character, son."

That's Stan Coombs, the character played by the late actor Bill Hunter in the 2002 fim Crackerjack.

It was a story that sought - among other things - to dispel the stereotype that bowls is a game for seniors.

Krizanic came to bowls when she was just 15, which perhaps explains her extraordinary talent now at the age of 27.

She says it's a game that suits her personality perfectly.

"I like the sport mostly because it's a concentration game and it's a tactical game and I think that's what makes me good at it."

And pursuit of the precious metal is on track after a busy 18 months.

"Carla Krizanic, Rebecca Van Asch, Natasha Scott, the skip, they have comprehensively won this final in the women's four, by 23 points to 8. 23 to 8."

At last year's lawn bowls world championships, Australia's women's team beat England to the gold.

Krizanic went on to pick up a second gold medal at the meet - reward for the countless hours spent training on the green.

It's a career she balances with her other passion, nursing.

Indeed, Krizanic is the only member of the national bowls team who also works full-time.

"Yeah well I just love both aspects of my life. I obviously love playing for Australia, I love bowling, but I also love my career and love to care for people. I love both things so I just try and make it work."

The world championships behind her, Krizanic's focus is now on next year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

The Australian team is selected in November and Krizanic is expected to not only feature, but to excel.

"I went to Glasgow four years ago and unfortunately didn't come home with a medal so I'm really determined to make the team and to change that and hopefully win a gold on our home soil in front of family and friends and all our supporters."

And a case to be made for the sport's inclusion at the Olympics?

"Bowls is growing bigger and bigger. More countries are playing bowls. It's a sport that anyone can play whether you're nine years old or ninety. We've got people with many disabilities from different walks of life so I think it's a sport for everyone, so I think it's a perfect sport for an Olympic Games and maybe one day, you never know."

 

 

 






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