Hamilton bowls star Stewart Anderson can’t wait to welcome his baby son, but admits relief that the birth won’t impact on his Commonwealth Games dream.
Anderson’s wife Claire – herself an accomplished international bowler – is due to give birth just weeks before the competition starts in Birmingham on July 28.
The Eddlewood bowler hopes for double glory in triples and fours, but says a gold medal would be the pinnacle of his entire career.
Although Stewart is a five-time world indoor champion, this is his debut Games, and he’s looking forward to it.
Stewart said: “When we first found out the question was ‘when in July’, and we were hoping it was going to be before the Commonwealth Games.
“It’s going to be a week or two before I go, so it’s not too bad and everything is falling into place.
“Claire has given me the heads-up to go, that was the first thing!
“I’ve been waiting years to be selected for the Commonwealth Games, so it was just another headache.
“If I was there before the birth it would have been difficult, but it was something we did speak about.
“It would be a great feeling as well, trying to play the Commonwealth Games, knowing you’re going home to a baby boy, but it was one of those where it was a headache to start!
“But we both realised the date was before, so it means I can actually see him before I go, and that will be a great wee boost.”
Anderson’s not heading down south to make up the numbers, and knows pressure is on the Scottish team to come back with medals.
“Playing with Scotland we aim high, because we’re one of the best nations at bowls,” he said. “We always expect something.
“The team four years ago came away with two or three golds.
“I can’t wait. I’m competing in triples first, so the full concentration is on that for week one, hopefully we do well and come away with a medal, and then we concentrate on the fours for week two.
“I would love two medals, in both disciplines, but I would love a gold medal.
“Any medal I do come home with will be dedicated to my new son.
“It will be a challenge and hopefully I get two medals, but my aim is that one gold medal would take it right to the top for me.”
With everything going on, Stewart has taken a bit of a rest from the sport.
He explained: “I’ve been putting in less time and playing probably twice a week rather than five times.
“It’s one of those things where, come the build-up , you don’t want to burn yourself out, but I’ll put more time and effort in the closer it gets.”
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