Making the Commonwealth Games team is just as exciting the second time round for Sunbury Bowling Club’s Carla Krizanic.
Krizanic, who was part of the Jackaroos squad at Glasgow in 2014, was earlier this month named in Jackaroos’ 17 player squad for April’s games on the Gold Coast.
“I’m very thrilled,” she said last week.
“It was a long process to get selected and I’m excited that it’s official.
“Glasgow was really exciting and I’m thrilled and really honoured to get another opportunity to play at a Commonwealth Games.”
Krizanic said the chance to play in her home country in front of her friends and family was extra special.
She rates the games up there with the world championships as the pinnacle of the sport.
A decision on which events Krizanic competes in will be made closer to the event, with Australia selecting a strong women’s team.
The women selected also made up Australia’s World Championship team 12 months ago, where they won three out of the four events.
Krizanic was part of the winning triples and fours teams. She says she still gets goose bumps thinking about those wins.
The 27-year-old said she enjoys being part of the team events.
“Some of my best mates play in the teams events and if at the Commonwealth Games I’m lucky to win a medal, I’ll win it with some of my best mates.
“I’ll get to celebrate with them.”
Selection in the team caps off a big 12 months for Krizanic, who was named Australia’s number one female bowler for 2016-17, which counts performances in singles and team events.
“It was massive getting good results as I tried to make the Australian teams,” she said. “I crept my way up to number one and it’s a great feeling. I’m lucky to have some good teammates.”
Preparation for the Commonwealth Games starts this week with a camp at Broadbeach, where the games will be held.
Krizanic said she would try and compete in as many events as possible between now and the games to continue working on her form.
Helping Sunbury qualify for the Bowls Victoria division 1, section 1 finals was also on the agenda.
“We’re half way through the season and we’re in a finals position,” she said. “I missed a few weeks with Aussie commitments, but hopefully I’ll play a lot more in the second half of the season to help us make finals.”
