David Bryant (October 1931 – August 2020) is considered to be the greatest bowler of all time, winning 19 World and Commonwealth medals in total.
He won the inaugural world outdoor singles title in 1966 and went on to win six gold medals (three singles, one triples and two team). He won 12 World Bowls medals in total (three more silver and three more bronze). Bryant claimed a double gold medal at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth in both singles and fours. This was the catalyst for four singles gold and five Commonwealth Games medals in total. No bowls competition was held at the 1966 Commonwealth Games, which arguably stopped Bryant from winning a fifth.
Bryant also reached legendary status indoors after winning nine World Championships – three in singles and six in the pairs with Tony Allcock. His accurate drive often got him out of trouble, but he was a master of the draw too, and a canny tactician.
He was also the epitome of good sportsmanship. The proud recipient of the UK’s Pipe-Smoker of the Year award and, fully 37 years after he won his last title on the world stage, he is still fondly remembered – even by people who know nothing about bowls – as ‘the man with the pipe’. He was appointed MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1969 and later CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1980. In collaboration with his great friend and playing partner David Rhys-Jones, Bryant was also a prolific author and television presenter.
Record:
- Commonwealth Games: ’62 (singles gold), ’62 (fours gold), ’70 (singles gold), ’74 (singles gold), ’78 (singles gold)
- World Bowls Championships: ’66 (singles gold), ’66 (pairs bronze), ’76 (triples silver), ’76 (singles bronze), ’80 (singles gold), ’80 (triples gold), ’84 (singles bronze), ’84 (pairs silver), ’88 (singles gold), ’88 (pairs silver)
- World Bowls Tour Open Singles: ’79, ’80, ’81
