By LIAM TWOMEY
CODY Sylvester saves her best for the big stage.
The Werribee resident competed at her first National Bowls Championships last month and wasted no time making herself at home on the greens.
Sylvester and her Victorian team-mates won the gold medal in the girls’ fours event.
“That is the first time I have ever played in nationals,” she said.
“I was nervous at the start but every end that we played I was getting better and better. Then I didn’t feel nervous at all after awhile. I just wanted to keep going.
“I was very surprised how well we did as a team together to get the gold.”
In the team’s first match, Victoria defeated pre-tournament favourites Queensland before also notching up wins against Tasmania and New South Wales to seal the gold.
“When we played Queensland, we thought it was going to be a really hard match because they were the favourites but we just smashed them,” Sylvester said.
“After we won (the gold medal), we just kept hugging. We couldn’t believe it, we were so happy. We just wanted to shout it out to everyone. It was great.”
However, the 16-year-old wasn’t finished yet and was able to back up her performance with a silver medal in the girls’ pairs.
There are no plans to slow down with Sylvester eyeing more success at the top level.
“I started bowls because my dad plays and my grandparents used to play so I thought I would join in too,” Sylvester said.
“I didn’t want to be left behind. I never thought I would get this far.
“I’ve got the state pairs coming up so I am aiming to do well in that.
“After that I will be aiming to get to the Commonwealth Games and just as high as I can go.”
For her outstanding sporting achievements Sylvester has been named this month’s Don Deeble Rising Star nominee.
The award is run by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club in conjunction with the Star News Group.
Cody will receive $1000 donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club and other prizes to assist in her future sporting goals.
The Don Deeble Rising Star Award recognises young athletes in the Western Suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at a state and national level.
