Where are they now?
Robbie Thompson represented Australia from 2008-2009 and won a gold medal at the 2009 Asia Pacific Championships in Malaysia. Robbie Thompson was a great ambassador for bowls during his time at the top representing Australia, and now in his life after bowls, Thompson is giving back to the sport he loves.
Thompson represented Queensland with distinction from 18 years of age before he was called up for international duties almost 10 years later, earning his Australian cap number, 128.
The hard work had paid off; Thompson found himself boarding a plane to Malaysia to debut in the Asia Pacific Merdeka Indoor Championships and one year later he was back in Malaysia playing in an international benchmark event the Asia Pacific Championships.
It was there he won his most memorable title, a gold medal in the pairs alongside Victorian Mark Jacobsen.
Thompson was part of the victorious Australian team that defeated Malaysia, England and Scotland in the 2009 Perth International and also played a Trans-Tasman series that same year.
Whilst Thompson’s priorities are now with his young family and businesses he owns and operates, he still plays bowls at Broadbeach Bowling Club where just weeks ago he was appointed as a director on the club’s board.
“I always fancied the idea of having an input in the direction bowls is going, combining the knowledge I gained as a player for so many years and my perspective as a business owner,” Mr Thompson said.
Thompson owned and operated a hotel in Moololaba, on the Sunshine Coast, before moving to the Gold Coast and purchasing the SPAR convenient store located directly opposite Broadbeach Bowling Club one year ago.
During last week’s NSW v QLD NTC Challenge held at Broadbeach, Thompson supplied the squads $1000 in-store credit to purchase all their breakfast and snacks during the four day development camp.
“It was great to pop over to the club and watch the series, the quality of bowls was excellent and the concept itself was a great initiative to support some younger players on the verge of making their state sides,” Mr Thompson said.
“When I get the chance to watch good players I would still like to think I can mix it with the best, however I just don’t have the time to do it properly so I’m happy to just play whenever I get the chance.”
According to Thompson, Broadbeach Bowling Club is the perfect club to host the Australian Open and Commonwealth Games.
“Honestly you couldn’t get a better location for a bowls club, its right on the beach, has four perfect greens, the weather is sensational all year round, there is endless activities in Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise and of course there is an unlimited amount of accommodation in the area,” Mr Thompson said.
We wish Robbie all the best with his endeavours and hope one day we might see him back competing at the highest level.
