Serena Bonnell and Ellen Falkner MBE have made history by setting a Guinness World Record for the longest singles indoor lawn bowls marathon.

Bonnell, an AIS Thrive with Pride Ambassador and Para Jackaroo, partnered with Falkner, the Para High Performance Manager for Bowls Australia and a former able-bodied bowls world champion, to achieve this feat. Over 21st-22nd November, the duo played continuously for an impressive 33 hours and 12 minutes at Club Tweed on the Gold Coast, surpassing the required 30-hour mark.

Their motivation extended beyond just breaking records. Bonnell expressed her aspiration to challenge societal perceptions regarding disability and to highlight bowls as a sport that offers equal opportunities. Reflecting on the event, she emphasized how witnesses were compelled to reconsider their beliefs about the capabilities of disabled individuals in society.

Playing against Falkner, an accomplished international open player who shares the same dedication to the cause, added substantial significance to the event. Bonnell noted the common misconception among the public that para athletes might not compete on equal footing with “open” athletes, and this event aimed to challenge such notions.

In addition to setting a new benchmark by being the first para athlete attempting such a record, Bonnell’s achievement marks a notable shift in the landscape of lawn bowls marathons, which have historically been dominated by male participants. For further insights into Bonnell’s efforts to advocate for the inclusivity of bowls, one can explore her work in organizing the Rainbow Versatility Pairs bowls tournament earlier this year.

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Photo Courtesy ASC

Courtesy ASC