Olivia Cartwright to join Oceania Challenge team

by Val Febbo on September 4, 2024

Victoria’s Olivia Cartwright will live her own fairytale in November’s Oceania Challenge as she adorns the green and gold regalia for the very first time in her career.

Cartwright’s golden opportunity comes after the previously selected Kira Bourke became unavailable due to increased work commitments, with Bowls Australia’s National Selection Panel awarding the Moama product with a baptism by fire on the global stage.

While the 20-year-old is not currently in either of the Right at Home Emerging or Pathways Jackaroos squads, Cartwright’s selection exemplifies that strong form and character can provide anyone an opportunity at international glory.

Since the beginning of 2023, Cartwright has enjoyed scintillating success on the national stage including her maiden Australian Open title in the women’s fours with Laura Butler, Katelyn Inch and Chloe Stewart last year.

Hailing from the mighty Moama Bowling Club, her form has continued into 2024 after again performing strongly on the Gold Coast in June, progressing to the semi-finals in the women’s pairs as well as quarter-finals in the singles and fours.

Her ability was on display at the Australian Indoor Championships in August, earning passage through to the second round before falling to eventual champion Kelsey Cottrell.

Despite the magnificent form, the call up has still come as a shock to Cartwright, who admits the chance to achieve her dream still sinking in.

“I was completely lost for words… it took me by surprise, it was a casual day at work and then I got a life changing call,” she said.

“It still hasn’t sunk in yet but I’m ecstatic and over the moon.

“It’s a childhood dream come true, and I didn’t expect this to happen so quickly, I know I’ve been proud of my accomplishments over the past two years but it’s just little Liv coming to light and realising hard work does pay off.”

National Coach Gary Willis is looking forward to seeing Cartwright in action in New Zealand in November and lauds her quality both on and off the green.

“We are thrilled that Olivia is available for the Oceania Challenge as her form over the last twelve months has been very good and has not gone unnoticed by the National Selection panel, this combined with the fact that Olivia will be well suited to the surfaces we will playing on are both very big ticks ,” Willis said.

“But not only that,and most importanly Olivia is well respected and is an incredible person that we know will grab this opportunity with both hands.

“Olivia’s development throughout this tournament will be exponential and we look forward to seeing her in action for Australia, it also goes to show that our National Selectors are always watching and looking to reward good people for their hard work with an eye on the future, our ongoing success and succession plans always in play.”

Many events over the next few months will provide many players the ongoing opportunity to put their hand up for 2025 squad selection post Nationals, Olivia has just proven it can be done, you just never know when it may happen or who is watching.

The Oceania Challenge will run from November 20-24 in New Zealand. See below for the Australian team:

Women: