Australia’s Louise Hoskins, 76, wins historic Commonwealth Games gold medal

Louise Hoskins has become the oldest gold medallist in Commonwealth Games history, claiming women’s para bowls pairs glory alongside Serena Bonnell.

“It is incredible. I’m still pinching myself,” said 76-year-old Hoskins, who was born during the 1950 Auckland Games and is the oldest competitor at the 2026 Games in Glasgow. “I never thought I’d ever get [a gold medal] at my age. Get out there and have a go, and never give up.”

Down 4-1 in the second set, Hoskins and Bonnell were headed for the lottery of a sudden-death tiebreaker with New Zealand in the pairs B6-B8 final. A sprinkle of magic dust from Bonnell was the difference, as she nudged the jack and delivered three points to Australia to tie the set and secure a 6-3, 4-4 win.

The New Zealand pair, Julie O’Connell and Teri Blackbourn, were world champions in 2023 and opened their Glasgow campaign with victory over Australia, dropping just one game en route to a rematch with the Queensland duo in the final.

Bonnell had a feeling she and Hoskins would be able to turn the tables with gold on the line. The 44-year-old, who won silver in Birmingham four years ago, revealed that Hoskins’ words of wisdom from the sidelines helped her when it mattered most.

“I had good weight on my first, crap line on my second and my coach took a time out,” Bonnell said. “[Louise] settled me down, supported me and that was enough for me to play the bowl and win the game,” she added on her fellow Jackaroo.

Louise Hoskins, Serena Bonnell and coach Karen Murphy celebrate their winning moment. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

“I have been dreaming and visualising the fact that I was going to have to play big bowls and Louise led exceptionally well,” Bonnell added. “Thankfully I was able to play the bowl when I needed to.”

Hoskins was the contest’s dominant figure and was delighted for her partner to play the match-winning bowl. “The moment Serena released it I could see she had it,” Hoskins said. “It was amazing and just heading for the jack. You could see it. I knew it was there before it even came through.”

Asked how she planned to celebrate, Hoskins noted Bonnell still owed her a few drinks. What will it be then? “Whatever Serena’s going to give me,” Hoskins laughed.

Hoskins has broken the record held by Scotland’s George Miller, who was 75 when he won Para Mixed Pairs B2-B3 gold at the Birmingham Games in 2022.