FRNSW firefighter wins Commonwealth Games gold - Goulburn
Published: 02 Aug 2022 01:28pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighter Ellen Ryan has made Commonwealth Games history, claiming gold with an inspiring two-shot victory in lawn bowls.
The Goulburn on-call brigade member became the first Australian in her sport to win a gold medal in Britain and the first to claim the women’s singles crown.
“I still can’t believe this is real, this is what dreams are made of. So proud to be an Australian,” Ellen said after her victory.
The 25-year-old got her first taste of the sport in 2008, when she was just 10.
A member of the Cabramatta Bowls Club, she made her senior debut for Australia in 2017, narrowly missing out on a spot in the Commonwealth Games team a year later.
Five years on, she’s living out that dream of wearing the green and gold on the world stage.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said winning gold at the Commonwealth Games is considered the highest achievement for lawn bowlers, with the sport not currently represented at the Olympics.
“I am so proud of Ellen representing Goulburn and all of Australia on the international stage and I know that our entire community will join me in congratulating her on this incredible achievement,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
Ellen’s family and friends have paid tribute to her hard work and determination over many years, while her FRNSW colleagues have found a unique way to celebrate her successes.
The message board outside Goulburn Fire Station now reads ‘Prepared for Anything – even gold in Birmingham. Congratulations FF Ellen Ryan!’
“We’re over the moon. Ellen’s dedicated her whole career to this moment and it’s well deserved. Good on her,” Captain Christopher Corcoran said.
Ellen’s friend and fellow firefighter Jackson Boulden said it’s no surprise she’s been able to reach her sporting pinnacle.
“She’s cool, calm, and collected. Her mental toughness is evident both on the bowling green and on the fire ground,” he said.
MEDIA NOTE: Higher resolution images are available in the web version of this media release, available on the FRNSW website.
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:14pm
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