Rebecca Van Asch carrying the pride of Tasmania into Gold Coast 2018
Recently crowned Tasmanian Athlete of the Year Rebecca Van Asch will not only be carrying the expectation of a nation into Gold Coast 2018, but the pride of the apple isle too. Recently crowned Tasmanian Athlete of the Year Rebecca Van Asch will not only be carrying the expectation of a nation into Gold Coast 2018, but the pride of the apple isle too.
The 29-year-old dual Australian Open champion has been selected for her debut Commonwealth Games a week after being afforded one of Tasmania’s highest sporting honours alongside rower Sarah Hawe.
“That was a huge honour and certainly very humbling to be named Tasmanian athlete of the year,” she said.
“It was wonderful for our sport. We had a very successful World Championships last year. I was able to get the win as an individual accolade but certainly a great achievement for our whole sport.”
Van Asch, who plays out of Invermay in Tasmania, came close to selection for Glasgow 2014 but ultimately missed out. Despite the disappointment, she credits it as a major driving force behind her push for Gold Coast 2018 selection.
“I’m in the same boat as Baz (Barrie Lester). Three years ago I missed out on Glasgow 2014. That was a huge disappointment for me but it certainly was a motivator,” she said.
“I’ve worked really hard over the past few years to try and get back to that [Commonwealth Games].
“I’m so wrapt to be in this team with these guys. It’s a very exciting time for me.”
The Australian Bowls Team will take to the Broadbeach greens from April 5 for their GC2018 campaign, where 10 gold medals will be up for grabs.
