Humble Lindfield honoured to receive medal from Governor General
2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Cheryl Lindfield is humbled to have been one of the first athletes from Birmingham to receive the Australian Sports Medal, following a ceremony in Canberra involving the Governor General David Hurley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Lindfield won her medal in the para-women’s pairs with Serena Bonnell, performing valiantly in defeat to Scotland.
The 63-year-old was the oldest athlete out of the 430 strong Australian contingent in the United Kingdom, and was invited as one of just 23 team members to have the medal bestowed upon them by Mr Hurley.
“What an honour it is to represent all the athletes within that small number that went over, it’s a strong team, the Australian one, so to be part of the group was special,” she said.
“Everyone will have a medal, so to be honoured in Canberra with the Governor General and the Prime Minister was truly special.
“To listen to the words from both of them and then to meet the other athletes, who are wearing the same clothes and remembering that we were all one team was wonderful.”
At the Games, Lindfield became the cult hero of the Australian team, especially among the Rugby Sevens women’s team who took photos with her and even gave her some of their kit from the competition.
The Queenslander was even dubbed ‘Saint Cheryl’ by some of the national squad members, which the Mt Gravatt Bowls Club product finds amusing as she has never been one to chase the limelight.
However, she feels if she can be a vehicle for more people to take up the sport, then she is happy to push the exposure.
“I think I’ve been teased by most of my friends who know that I don’t necessarily like attention,” Lindfield joked.
“It’s less about me and I didn’t actually know about all of that until I got back and people started sharing things with me and remarking how I wouldn’t have sought this out at all and it’s true, it is definitely not something I courted.
“I just really love the sport and I love sharing it, I’m always telling people to come and have a go and join this bowls family.”
Also attending the event in Canberra was Lindfield’s Jackaroos teammate and dual gold medallist Ellen Ryan who made history as the first bowler to win the singles and pairs disciplines at the same Commonwealth Games.
The Brisbane native was delighted to share such a special occasion with a player and teammate that she has the ultimate respect for.
“To be honest it’s an honour for me to share anything with Ellen, she’s a double gold medallist and along with Kristina Krstic, they took part in the greatest bowls game I’ve ever seen,” Lindfield said.
“The way Ellen played in the final was amazing and what a representation it was for our sport.
“I’m honoured to be in her presence anyway because she’s going to be the future of our sport.
“At 25, what maturity and what skill.”
