After a remarkable win, Banks reflects on his journey and the challenges faced.
Inverurie’s Jason Banks has etched his name in the annals of sports history by becoming the first player to secure the open singles, pairs, and mixed pairs titles at the World Indoor Bowls Championship held in Hopton-on-Sea. This remarkable achievement has not only brought him personal glory but has also elevated the profile of indoor bowls in Scotland.
Challenges on the road home
Despite his monumental success, Banks faced an unexpected challenge on his journey back home. After enjoying a celebratory night following his singles victory, he encountered a puncture near Scotch Corner. In a humorous recount, Banks shared, “I hit something on the road and got a puncture.
I pulled into the hard shoulder and stopped just in front of some horse poo. When I got out to check the tyre, I didn’t see it because it was dark and stood in it.”
His trophies, which he had won during the championship, were precariously placed on the verge while he dealt with the situation. “It’s not really where you want them to be sitting,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of keeping his achievements safe. Fortunately, a mechanic came to his aid, and he was able to continue his journey home after a night in a hotel.
Returning to normalcy
Upon returning to his job as a product design engineer at Power Jacks, Banks was met with warm congratulations from his colleagues. “On the clock-in board, they had ‘world champion’ next to my name,” he said, reflecting on the support he received from his workplace. Despite using most of his annual leave for the championship, his employer generously offered him half of his holidays back, showcasing their appreciation for his dedication to the sport.
“My work has always been really good at allowing me to have time off for bowls, and I really appreciate the support they’ve given me,” Banks expressed, highlighting the balance he maintains between his professional and sporting commitments.
A family legacy in bowls
Bowls is a family affair for Banks, with his parents, uncle, sister, and grandparents all sharing a passion for the game. Although his family typically attends tournaments to support him, this year he opted to compete independently. “I was just focused on what I was doing,” he explained, adding a light-hearted comment about possibly banning his family from attending future tournaments due to his intense concentration.
Having started playing bowls at the age of 10, Banks has become a familiar face at the World Championship. His preparation for this year’s event was different, as he had recently purchased a house and spent less time practicing. “This season is the least I’ve played for a long time,” he admitted. Yet, his ability to perform well despite limited practice speaks volumes about his skill and dedication to the sport.
As he looks to the future, Banks acknowledges that the prize money he earned from the championship will likely go towards home improvements. “It’s a nice boost to have won what I did!” he concluded, reflecting on the dual impact of his victory on both his sporting career and personal life.
