The legendary Val Smith announced her retirement from the sport following more than 20-years of international competition for New Zealand earlier this year.

Smith left elite bowls as the nation’s most capped athlete, having played a staggering 667 international matches for New Zealand. She has won two World Championship titles (1x singles, 1x pairs) and a total of nine World Championship medals.

The proud Nelson Bowling Club member has also competed at five editions of the Commonwealth Games, winning one silver and three bronze medals for New Zealand. Smith began bowling in 1992. Val made the New Zealand development squad in 2000 and debuted for the national side in 2003.

While it’s hard to pin down one favourite memory, she said the World Championships titles are right up there. “I’ve had so many highlights but winning the World Championship Singles and winning the Pairs with my best friend (of course Jo Edwards), that’s pretty difficult to beat. The 2023 World Championships was also really special where we won the Women’s Team gold and the Taylor Trophy. That win really reflected our team spirit and passion, so it was a great moment,” she reflected.