As the countdown to Glasgow 2026 continues, World Bowls is celebrating the rich history of bowls at the Commonwealth Games by inviting some of the sport’s most accomplished athletes to reflect on the moments that have meant the most to them.
New Zealand’s Jo Edwards represented her country at four Commonwealth Games, winning gold medals in Manchester, Glasgow and the Gold Coast. Here, she shares her Commonwealth Games memories in her own words.
“I’ve been lucky enough to get selected for four Commonwealth Games.
The first in Manchester was pretty special as it was in England where I was born.
To be a part of a wider team was incredible and I was like a kid in a candy store recognising all our sporting stars. To win gold was a dream come true and to do it in the northern hemisphere on greens that were pretty foreign to me made it even more satisfying. I didn’t get to go to the opening ceremony, but I was always going to the closing one even though it poured down.
I have very fond memories of the Glasgow and Gold Coast Games, not just because I won gold at them. I loved Glasgow. It is such a great experience to be there, and the locals made us all very welcome. The Gold Coast was an awesome experience. My family got to see me play and that was special to me as I couldn’t have done what I had without their support.
Being part of the whole Games experience has left me with heaps of fantastic memories and I wish all those competing at Glasgow every success.”
New Zealand’s Jo Edwards MNZM after winning gold in the singles at the 2018 Games
