By Tate Papworth
Alethea Mata is knocking down pins with skill beyond her years.
The 12-year-old St Albans student recently represented Victoria in the under-18 division of the President’s Shield tenpin bowling competition in Chirnside and helped take home gold medals for her state.
It’s the second time Alethea has taken part in the tournament and she said she was better for the experience the second time around.
“I felt like I did a lot better this year than last year,” she said.
“Last year I was only 11 – I didn’t really know what was happening and I wasn’t as aware of what to do. But now I understand it all a bit better, which helped me improve. I also had more coaching and better equipment this time around.”
Alethea’s success is no accident – she’s naturally gifted at the sport, but puts in countless hours of practice.
“I started bowling when I was seven,”she said. “Mum and dad brought me to a bowling alley and I loved it. I got my first bowling ball when I was eight. I train out in Point Cook five times a week. I still love it. Sometimes you have bad days, but it’s mostly fun.”
Alethea hopes to one day soon represent the country.
“There’s this thing after President’s Shield called the Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championship,” she said. “I’d really like to be picked to go to Malaysia to represent Australia during that.”
