2023 World Bowls Championships - Player Profile: Pauline Wilson

Earliest bowls memory: Playing with the old boys at Melrose BC, Eck Wilson (no relation), Charlie Mitchell and Andre Steele taking me under their collective wing and teaching me. None of these gentlemen are with us, but what patience they showed in teaching a spirited Geordie lass how to play bowls. Eck would always call me Poppet, what great times we had.

Best bowls achievement: The obvious one is my Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal with Rosemary Lenton in the Women's Para Pairs.

On a personal note, being able to get back to bowling after surgery left me with life changing disabilities, having to learn to walk again never mind playing bowls again, having the support from family and friends to achieve the best is humbling and priceless.

Your all-star bowls rink:

Lead – Nicky Brett

Second – Julie Forrest

Third – Anwen Butten

Skip - Alex Marshall MBE

Occupation: Retired.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Determined, Driven & Committed.

Favourite meal: Cauliflower cheese.

Biggest fear: Snakes.

Apple or Android: Android.

Pineapple on pizza: Yes.

Favourite movie/TV show: The Blindside.

Three items you couldn’t live without and why: My prosthetic leg, bowls & phone.

Dream job: Umpire at Wimbledon, at least I'd get the best seat in the house!

Favourite past or present non-bowls athlete and why: David Wilkie. As a youngster I was a competitive swimmer. I admired David Wilkie's achievement winning an Olympic Gold in a new world record time in the 200m Breaststroke. Something a Brit had not done for so many years.

Cats or dogs: Dogs.

Which player is most likely to be invited to Bob’s house for dinner: Me, of course!

Funniest teammate: Garry Brown

Favourite song: Sara Ramirez – The Story.

Your biggest pet peeve & why: Poor bowls etiquette on the green. It shows a lack of respect for other players, whether they're teammates or opponents.

Most likely to forget their passport going to Australia: Danny Porter.

Proudest non-bowls accomplishment: Bringing up my two daughters, at one point as a single parent. Both have achieved fabulous goals in their own lives and who I am very proud of.

Dream holiday destination and why: Langkawi Island, Malaysia. A beautiful island far away from the hustle and bustle, gorgeous sea and beach.

Goal for 2023 World Bowls Championships: Hmm, a gold medal would be nice!